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Nutrition

One-third of all cancer deaths in the United States each year are linked to diet and physical activity, including being overweight or obese

Some diet and exercise recommendations developed by the American Cancer Society’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee and approved by the American Cancer Society National Board of Directors are:

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight throughout life

  • Be as lean as possible throughout life without being underweight.
  • Avoid excess weight gain at all ages. For those who are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight has health benefits and is a good place to start.
  • Get regular physical activity and limit intake of high-calorie foods and drinks as keys to help maintain a healthy weight.

Eat a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant foods

  • Choose foods and drinks in amounts that help you get to and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Limit how much processed meat and red meat you eat.
  • Eat at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day.
  • Choose whole grains instead of refined grain products.

If you drink alcohol, limit your intake

Drink no more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 per day for men.

Nutrition-related articles from the U-M Rogel Cancer Center's Nutrition Services

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