Summer is a great time to attend cookouts, parties and festivities. But it's no secret, when we get together with friends and family, we tend to eat more! In many cultures, socialization is centered on food and I have learned that the more appealing food looks – healthy or not – people want to eat it! We know that a diet high in fiber and low in red and processed meat, alcohol and excess calories can help decrease colon cancer risk. So, I have found some fun, colorful recipe ideas that are perfect for your 4th of July festivities and that are full of fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants and lower in calories.
Reprinted with permission from the American Institute of Cancer Research.
Chocolate and Blueberry Tofu Mousse with Sesame Crunch
If nothing else, this recipe sounds interesting, right? But give this dessert the chance it deserves! After all, it’s unique, has been designed with cancer prevention qualities in mind and will satisfy cravings for sweet and crunchy all at once. What more could you want? Try using white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips and add red berries to make it fit a red, white and blue theme. Read the full recipe.
Reprinted with permission from the American Institute of Cancer Research.
Red Velvet Cake
Try this tasty spin on traditional Red Velvet Cake. This recipe uses the natural red color of beets to give these cupcakes a vibrant red hue. The addition of beets also boosts the fiber, folate and phytochemical content of this moist cake. Top with dark, sweet cherries and dark chocolate shavings to set this dessert apart from the rest. Check out this unbeatable recipe!
Reprinted with permission from the American Institute of Cancer Research.
New York-Style No Bake Cheesecake
This tasty treat is topped with brightly colored fresh strawberries and blueberries. The fruit on this dessert can easily be changed to raspberries, blackberries or cherries to pack a healthy punch. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to make and only has 230 calories per serving. Not bad for a cheesecake, right? This one is most definitely a win. Check out the recipe!
Make this summer a season of healthy eating by deliberately choosing to eat foods that provide cancer-fighting properties. Start today by getting creative, making food fun and exploring the power of a mostly plant-based diet!
Angela Hummel, specialist in oncology nutrition at Meals to Heal.
Angela Hummel a registered dietitian and certified specialist in oncology nutrition at Meals to Heal. She is passionate about helping people meet the many challenges of managing health throughout cancer treatment. Angela studied nutrition at Central Michigan University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree, dietetic internship and master’s degree. She has worked in the inpatient, outpatient and community oncology settings for many years. Currently, she is part of the clinical team at Meals to Heal where she counsels people on oncology nutrition and contributes to clinical website and other Meals to Heal content.
Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have questions or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help!