6 Ways to Manage Risk of Breast Cancer by Losing Weight

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While there are no specific instructions for breast cancer prevention, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are six lifestyle steps that research shows contribute to reducing breast cancer risk.

1. Jump on the scale from time to time – but don’t let it rule your life! Staying fit and healthy by eating a balanced diet is a much better alternative than obsessing over your weight and starving yourself – it’s a lifestyle! Make sure you keep track of your weight but use it to motivate yourself if you are trying to lose weight in a positive way!
2. Watching TV (whether it be on TV, on a computer, on your phone, etc) is a given nowadays. There are just too many great movies and shows available, right?? Well, make sure that you get in some steps while doing so (try watching it on the go), or, try standing while watching TV in the comfort of your own home. This will help you resist the urge to eat while binge-watching Grace and Frankie, and support a healthier lifestyle 🙂
3. Try wearing workout clothes before you go to bed. We know, it’s not for everyone, but by doing this, you’ll be much more motivated to work out before getting ready for work – especially if you work various shifts as a caregiver and find it hard to fit into your daily schedule.
4. You don’t need to adhere to a strict workout regime in order to get back on track. Try doing something every day for 30 minutes that brings your heart rate up. This can include anything between a favorite hobby, like gardening, to dancing around the house while cleaning. Get into making this a habit and you’ll be sure to get enough energy to try tennis or the gym more than twice a week 😉
5. Be self-aware when it comes to eating – It’s easy to eat when you’re bored, and especially if there are plenty of snacks around the house. The first step to managing uncontrollable snacking is to replace the unhealthy options in the house with healthy alternatives that have actual nutrients, like blueberries, watermelon, low-fat Greek yogurt, and sugar-free granola bites! Also, make sure you eat a balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you skip either of these important meals, you’re setting yourself up for temptation and eating on the go, making you resort to fast food or “instant” meals you can buy and heat up in the oven.