Adopting a Healthy Diet

Photo: Down to Earth Produce Section

Recent research from the University of Hawai'i has linked the consumption of processed meats to cancer. The American Cancer Society offers these Guidelines for Nutrition and Physical Activity to reduce the risk of cancer:

Eat a variety of healthful foods, with an emphasis on plant sources.

  • Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
  • Choose whole grains in preference to processed grains and sugars.
  • Choose foods that help you maintain a healthy weight.

Adopt a physically active lifestyle.

  • Adults - Be at least moderately active for 30 minutes or more on five or more days of the week. 45 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity on five or more days per week may further reduce the risk of breast cancer.
  • Children and adolescents - Get 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least five days per week.

Maintain a healthful weight throughout life.

  • Balance caloric intake with physical activity.
  • Lose weight if currently overweight or obese.

If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumption.

What are the alternatives?

If you are trying to reduce or eliminate processed meat in your diet, there's no need to go without sandwiches, and you can still enjoy summer barbeques! Veggie alternatives abound in the chill and frozen departments of all Down to Earth stores. You'll find these tasty substitutes, and more:

  • Vegetarian Deli slices - "Philly-style" steak, peppered, Italian (Tofurky); pepperoni, turkey, salami, ham (Yves); pastrami, turkey, ham, bologna (Lightlife).
  • Vegetarian Hot dogs - Tofu Dog, The Good Dog, Jumbo Dog (Yves); Smart Dogs, Jumbo Smart Dogs, Tofu Pups (Lightlife).
  • Vegetarian Hamburgers - Gardenburgers and Amy's in several flavors; Boca Burgers; Original Maui Taroburger; Lynnie's Hula Nut Burger.
  • Meatless ground beef - Veggie Ground Round (Yves); Gimme Lean! ground beef (Lightlife).
  • Meatless sausage - Beer Brats, Kielbasa Polish-style (Tofurky); sausage patties/links, bacon strips (Yves); Gimme Lean! sausage, Smart Links (Lightlife).
  • Other Veggie alternatives - Steak-style Strips (Lightlife); Gourmet Bites , Vegetarian Breast , Chick'n Free Nuggets , Vegetarian Fillet (Veat); chicken drumsticks, sweet & sour chicken, sparerib cutlets (Vegetarian Plus).
  • And - Tofu, tempeh, and seitan in plain, baked, and flavored styles.