Recent advances have been made in the area of nutritional care and you might want to meet with or your physician may refer you to a registered dietitian. A dietitian is someone that has special training in how diet and food impact your health and life. For patients and families of those receiving care at the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, a dietitian is available by calling (860) 545-5113. Following are some health eating tips.

The American Cancer Society has given us some general dietary guidelines. Below are the guidelines with some tips on how to incorporate this diet into your everyday life.

• Eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day. One medium piece of fruit or 1/2 cup of fruit, fruit juice or vegetables is a serving;
• Choose a variety of whole grains. They are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals and can be lower in calories then some of their refined counterparts. Very good sources are brown rice, graham cracker, oatmeal, popcorn, and wheat, rye, or whole wheat flour/bread;
• Choose a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat. Beans are an excellent source of protein fiber, vitamins and minerals and are in low fat;
• Limit alcoholic consumption. No more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and two for men.
• Keep food safe. Always wash your hands in soapy water before handling food. Separate raw, cooked and ready-to-eat foods while shopping, preparing and storing. Cook foods to safe temperatures and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Always read labels for safety instructions. When in doubt, throw it out.

If you feel you need help or would like to know more about dietary issues, please call (860) 545-5133.