tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36398836001607612732024-03-13T21:57:51.748-07:00the daily dishkarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-71896277836673596512010-03-06T13:42:00.001-08:002010-03-06T13:46:38.189-08:00<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-72691344764336063022009-04-22T11:00:00.001-07:002009-04-22T11:02:08.191-07:00HAPPY EARTH DAYBe kind to Mother Nature today. Respect the earth, plant something, walk or bike instead of driving, appreciate the birds singing and most of all be good to yourself.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-59847674347364281192009-04-20T15:25:00.000-07:002009-04-20T15:28:16.029-07:00This is a Remarkable Woman I Know Who is Speaking Out Against RapeThe majority of my friends, my own family and people who know me have no idea that I am a victim of rape. It's not something I talk about. In fact, for the past 7 years it's been a mix of tremendous emotion that I've buried deep into the shadows of my soul. I will be honest and say that it does effect me almost on a daily basis, but not today, today I woke up and I am like a brand new person, I am that person I was meant to be 7 years ago before I was raped.<br /><br />That is because yesterday was a huge day for me. I was at the San Diego District Attorney's Office attending a press conference with all of the major players in the San Diego community. The press conference was about the launch of the new viral videos created for the PRICE (Preventing Rape by Intoxication through Community Education) organization and to bring awareness to Rape by Intoxication. I had my husband and my dad with me, both who sat and watched as the head District Attorney praised me specifically for my efforts in creating and producing these viral videos. I had never been prouder in my entire life, to see the past 7 years of my life leading up to this moment. It was now that I was coming forward to share my own rape experience for the first time since my trial 7 years ago and coming forward using the media that I love the most...film. I guess you can say I am now a spokesperson for rape. I am not just a statistic anymore, I am a real victim....a real survivor....with real emotions and I am thriving! I have survived this. And yesterday I came full circle and in a way felt reborn. I am a brand new person! I am no longer hiding the pain, scars, trauma, shame, humility that I pushed into the shadows of my soul for far too long. I am free! I am speaking out about rape. I now am a face that you can look at and see that I am a victim of rape and I am your friend, sister, wife, daughter...I am someone you care about. I have vowed to make it my goal in life to continue to raise awareness about rape and rape by intoxication. If I can help just one person, I will then have a purpose to all of my pain.<br /><br />I've been working on these viral videos for PRICE since October. I was contacted by, Deputy District Attorney Pat Espinoza, who was the DA in my case, he had found my music videos and other work and had asked me if I could help them develop videos for their campaign. I jumped at the opportunity and decided that the best way to help and to reach out to others is bring the campaign to a very very personal level. Why do we never see or hear from victims of sexual assault or rape? It's because our society shuns them. Because for whatever reason it is always our fault for being raped. Well I wanted to break all of those stereotypes and challenge people to see and listen to real life survivors of rape. And that is what I did. I came forward and told my story and it was not easy. In fact I think it was one of the hardest things I've had to do, but for that I am a stronger person. There was only 1 other victim of rape by intoxication that wanted to come forward and share her story on camera. JUST ONE OTHER PERSON! We couldn't find anyone else that wanted to come forward. And I applaud Michelle for being so brave and the courage she has every day to come forward and tell her experience. Michelle has inspired me on so many levels. She's been talking about her own rape experience for a while now, she works with the Center for Community Solutions in San Diego, she's an incredible woman! She's empowering and beautiful and she has an amazing message to share to the world about rape.<br /><br />Please go to:<br /><br />www.wastedsex.com<br />or<br />www.knowtheprice.org<br /><br />to hear our stories and to learn more about how you can help prevent rape.<br /><br />There are a handful of you who know what happened or who were there when it happened, who have been with me for the 7 years and who held my hand, who sat in the trial, who were always there for me no matter what, who cried with me, who fought with me, who supported me 100% through the terrible and tough times and to all of you...and you all know who you are, I say THANK YOU, because of you I have survived this! I am a better person for it. And I couldn't have done any of this or have reported my rape to the police without having you all supporting me 100%. I dedicate these videos and my involvement in PRICE to YOU. I truly hope you know how much you all mean to me and I hope you know how you have changed my life.<br /><br />On April 30th, I will be the keynote speaker at the Take Back the Night rally at SDSU. I want to invite all of you to join me if you can!<br /><br />I'm also starting my own non-profit organization, watch for www.iheartconsensualsex.com, I will have a website up and running in a few weeks, where I am going to encourage other survivors of sexual assault and rape to blog, I'm also going to be selling t-shirts, bags and jewelry and will be donating 100% of the proceeds to PRICE.<br /><br />I also want to thank all of the members of PRICE. Whom everyday supported me and the making of these videos. The love and support I get from all of them is overwhelming and incredible and jump started the healing process for me, whom believe in me and who every day fight to stop sexual assault and rape. You are all my heroes!<br /><br />And more importantly I want to thank my family! Who have supported my decisions since the moment that changed my life. My family has been my rock! My husband is the most incredible man I know, who loves me for me and has taught me how to trust again and has showed me that I can be whole!<br /><br />I love all of you! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!<br /><br />Morgan<br /><br />April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Wear a teal ribbon in support of victims and the cause.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-41619918528261102592009-04-19T08:02:00.000-07:002009-04-19T08:06:23.421-07:00Happy SundaySince it's Sunday, I'm going to take the day off from blogging, but spring is here, get out and soak up some Vitamin D, with sunscreen, of course, plant some flowers, dust off that bike, be grateful for all that is good in your life and most of all, make someone smile today.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-61629165476834056982009-04-18T20:03:00.000-07:002009-04-18T20:07:31.104-07:00My Green ContributionTo reduce my carbon footprint today, my car has stayed tucked away in the garage since last night and I did not spend a dime of my hard earned unemployment money. It doesn't matter that my life is boring and I really had no where to go, I still could have made an excuse to go out and about. I feel good about my little contribution today none the less.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-32118357086604675042009-04-18T13:03:00.000-07:002009-04-18T13:24:36.341-07:007 Reasons to Bike Ride<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>Cyclings burns tons of calories<br />Even at an easy pace, a 130 pound woman torches 437 calories in a hour.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>It's great for your joints<br />Cycling is low impact and a great way to get your cardio in without getting beat up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>You'll get sick legs<br />I don't even have to elaborate on that one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>It beats the blues.<br />People who work out outside say they feel less tense afterwards while people who work out indoors feel more tense.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>It saves cash<br />A 10 mile round trip in a car costs on average about 3300 a year, where if you bike it, your out of pocket is only about 300. Also, if biking is your primary mode of transportation for work, you're eligible for a $20 tax reimbursement from you employer to take care of bike related expenses.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>It gives you good karma<br />If Americans would hop on their bikes for short trips, it would reduce CO2 emissions by 11 percent and oil consumption by 38 percent according to research.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>It makes you a better driver<br />Cycling makes you engage your entire body and mind making you aware of cars, pedestrians and other cyclists.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-72228028979409166642009-04-18T10:36:00.000-07:002009-04-18T10:42:32.820-07:00Tropicana Does Good For the RainforestHere's a simple way to save 100 square feet of the rainforest. Purchase a new Trop50 coolearth product and go to www.tropicanarainforest.com and enter the code on the carton. For every code entered, Tropicana will preserve 100 square feet of rainforest thru 12/31/09. You can even dedicate your patch of land to someone. It's easy! I like their new 50% less sugar and calorie orange juice myself!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-85814296670242861062009-04-17T17:51:00.000-07:002009-04-17T17:58:51.811-07:00Starbucks Goes Gluten FreeGoing to Starbucks with your friends is always hard if you skipped breakfast and are Gluten Free. Your choices are either a fruit bowl or a very large rice krispie square. But beginning May 5, Starbucks will be offering the Orange Valencia Cake which they claim is delicious. Aside from being gluten free, it is also prepared with 7 simple ingrediants: Whole eggs, Valencia Orange Pulp, Almonds, Sugar, Orange Peel, Gluten Free Baking Powder and Orange Oil delivering 30% of your daily value of vitamin C. I can't wait to try it! Thanks Starbucks!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-31340068886344038312009-04-17T08:26:00.000-07:002009-04-17T08:31:32.059-07:00My Pet Peeve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeifqRM9U8I/AAAAAAAAACY/OchzLbV9s3I/s1600-h/171046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeifqRM9U8I/AAAAAAAAACY/OchzLbV9s3I/s320/171046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325682107886687170" /></a><br /><br /><br />One of those things that never ceases to amaze me. How many times you use a public restroom and see people walk out without washing their hands. It's just nasty and I wonder where their mother's were when they were little. These are probably the same people who don't wipe down the seat. Please people, it only takes a minute to practice this little act of sanitation.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-48545400465440682382009-04-17T08:14:00.000-07:002009-04-17T08:21:46.375-07:00Designer DogsSeems as if breeders of designer dogs are feeling the crunch of the economy and dumping their expensive breeds off at local animal shelters. These dogs that usually sell for around 700 dollars are now going for as little as 200. The Riverside County Animal Shelter has recently received about 30 of these so called "designer breeds" like Pugs, and Cocker Spaniels. They have since turned the dogs over to the Riverside Humane Society, which is a no kill shelter.<br /><br />If you are interested in adopting or know someone who is, contact the humane society at (951) 688-4340.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-14572810307886581732009-04-16T16:46:00.000-07:002009-04-16T17:06:08.420-07:00Holistic Nutrition Tip of the Day Chi Chi Chi ChiaNow I'm sure you all know at least one person who has received a Chia Pet as a gag gift, but who would have thought the Chia Seeds were actually good for you. Since everyone I know says the plants get moldy before turning into some beautiful topiary, stop wasting your money on trying to grow one and just buy the seeds instead. Here's why:<br /><br />- more Omega-3 than salmon<br />- more protein, fiber and calcium than flax seeds<br />- contains all essential amino acids<br />- twice the amount of potassium in a banana<br />- twice the protein of any other seed or grain<br />- three times the antioxidants of organic blueberries<br />- three times more iron than spinach<br />- five times the calcium of milk<br />- fifteen times more magnesium than broccoli<br /><br />Chia seeds also improve diabetes, lowers cholesterol, induces weight loss and increases your energy, strength and endurance.<br /><br />You can substitute chia for any recipes that calls for flax seeds and one of the easiest ways to eat it is to add one tablespoon to and eight ounce glass of water or juice. Stir it to break up lumps and let it sit for about 5 minutes before drinking. Add it to your cereal, oatmeal salads, smoothies etc.<br /><br />So the next time you get that little ceramic pet, jump up and down for joy. It will surely confuse the giver!<br /><br />Chi Chi Chi Chiakarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-33126918418121711252009-04-16T12:39:00.000-07:002009-04-16T12:54:49.312-07:00Another Olive Oil Success StoryLast night, after my free pilates class, I poured some Olive Oil into the tub and soaked my stiff old body. Yes, I did say Olive Oil and no I didn't accidently spill it out of a salad I was eating. Sophia Loren has been smoothing it on her skin for years and claims it is the reason she looks so great. As one of the essential oils, it's a great skin moisturizer and the perfect inexpensive way to preserve your youth. Just make sure to rinse the tub out after as you don't want the paramedics to be the ones marveling about what soft skin you havekarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-41424254498991031772009-04-16T09:59:00.000-07:002009-04-16T10:02:13.610-07:00Hard Boiled EggsJust a reminder, if you haven't eaten all those colored hard boiled eggs from Easter yet, it's probably time to toss them..Hard boiled eggs are only good for about 5 days since cooking them breaks down their protective barrier, allowing the possibility of salmonella.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-41596637458879893832009-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:002009-04-16T09:08:23.620-07:00Breakfast for ChampionsMy boyfriend so sweetly surprised me this morning by making me an omelet for breakfast. Now you have to understand, this is a man whose culinary skills consist of making a sandwich at best. I have to admit, my eyes widened as he told me it was for me and I was worried that I may not like it and would have to eat it any way. Remember, my gag reflex is strong, and eggs can trigger it immediately if not cooked right. But much to my surprise, it was delicious! I can't wait for him to surprise me for dinner one of these days, but I won't hold my breath.<br /><br />P.S. Did you know that most thin people ALWAYS eat breakfast. It jumps starts your metabolism and keeps you from over eating later. Make it a habit!karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-27408217716589321802009-04-15T21:40:00.000-07:002009-04-15T21:41:57.247-07:00Note to all selvesBefore taking a pilates class, please be cautious of what you eat, otherwise you may finding yourself letting out a little "toot" like the woman did next to me.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-78782827794946595212009-04-15T16:27:00.000-07:002009-04-16T13:53:25.267-07:00Naked Sushi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeZz0vOGAkI/AAAAAAAAACQ/N9uw6jzhzw0/s1600-h/2005.05.22-naked-sushi+(2).jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeZz0vOGAkI/AAAAAAAAACQ/N9uw6jzhzw0/s320/2005.05.22-naked-sushi+(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325070959278162498" /></a><br />Is fast becoming a popular eating form where a model, woman or man, lies naked while sushi is place on their bodies as a table. Okay organic is organic, but at the high cost of around $450 per dining experience I would much rather go buy a new pair of boots. Do you get a guarantee that the "table" comes with a clean bill of health ie, no toenail fungus, no pimples that need popping, no open wounds and anything else that I won't mention? Does the restaurant inspector come out and grade each model with an A - F ? What if you don't like your model, do you get to send her/him back to the kitchen? And God forbid, do you get your meal for free if you should find a hair in your roll? Being that I can't even say tongue scraper without gagging, you get a big NO THANK you from me on this one.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-33037303463803977912009-04-15T12:27:00.000-07:002009-04-15T12:33:30.858-07:00What theWhat happens while your clothes sit in a drawer or closet from one season to the next that causes them to shrink? Is it that damn facebook again or are there little dust mites eating away at the elastic? All I know, is in that last few years it keeps happening over and over.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-62067495732245689192009-04-15T11:04:00.000-07:002009-04-15T11:10:54.020-07:00I'm not anorexicTori Spelling has joined the ranks of Hollywood's starlets who is claiming she is not anorexic even though she practically disappears when turning sideways. Her excuse, "you all are just used to me looking pregnant." Well Tori, I've had 3 kids and nobody ever accused me of being anorexic once they got over my pregnancy look. It's not attractive to have your bones stick out and nobody is applauding your size 0's having to be held up by a belt. Go make up with your mother already and have one of her chef's make you a home cooked meal.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-17735163920383516132009-04-15T10:22:00.000-07:002009-04-15T10:23:20.539-07:00Oxy CleanOk, so why is that guy on the Oxy Clean commercial always yelling...Has anyone else ever noticed this..It's so annoying.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-58123161948693687262009-04-15T10:08:00.000-07:002009-04-15T10:45:37.250-07:00Skoy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeYU-npiUmI/AAAAAAAAACI/7B2bPFjErPI/s1600-h/skoy-200x300.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeYU-npiUmI/AAAAAAAAACI/7B2bPFjErPI/s320/skoy-200x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324966675439833698" /></a><br /><br /><br />In my family, a roll of paper towels lasts about a minute and along with all the waste piling up in my trash, I feel guilty about all the trees being used. There are these great, 100% Biodegradable towels called, no not the Shamwow, but SKOY. They come in a different colors with a cute little daisy on them. You throw them in the wash and in the microwave to clean them. One cloth is worth 15 paper towel rolls and only cost 5.99 per 4 pack. I'm ordering mine today.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-43507145579429027062009-04-15T09:33:00.000-07:002009-04-15T09:51:39.309-07:00Eat your way to fighting wrinklesRemember the old say "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Well A fuji apple a day keeps a wrinkle away. Out of 10 Us varieties of apples, Fuji has the most antioxidants which is one of your skins best defenses against wrinkles and honestly, they are one of the best tasting apples in my book.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-66326573899110649782009-04-14T22:16:00.000-07:002009-04-14T22:17:30.368-07:00follow meeeeeeeeDon't forget to follow..that way you will always know what I'm doing.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-11214948759679233842009-04-14T13:44:00.000-07:002009-04-14T13:49:38.783-07:00PSA CHESTER FRENCHHere's a great PSA from Ryan Starr and my new favorite group Chester French..Enjoy and pay attention..We want you healthy!<br /><br /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/340480126" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=19394527001&playerId=340480126&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://console.brightcove.com/services/amfgateway&servicesURL=http://services.brightcove.com/services&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&domain=embed&autoStart=false&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed>karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-85018185340836889422009-04-14T13:31:00.000-07:002009-04-14T13:34:42.671-07:00Don't JudgeOk, I know you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but c'mon, how can you not?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeTy-WGgqHI/AAAAAAAAACA/akpWlVg5pNs/s1600-h/0413092spector1a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeTy-WGgqHI/AAAAAAAAACA/akpWlVg5pNs/s320/0413092spector1a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324647812357466226" /></a>karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639883600160761273.post-43879769025119650902009-04-14T12:50:00.000-07:002009-04-14T13:47:43.652-07:00Happy Birthday Diane~<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeTpJqeJk0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/V7mLbXCkAVs/s1600-h/TN24521692.jpgx.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 74px; height: 63px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ik3xnpNXepo/SeTpJqeJk0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/V7mLbXCkAVs/s320/TN24521692.jpgx.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324637011687609154" /></a><br /><br />I am dedicating today to wish my beautiful friend Diane Casey a Happy 49th Birthday. She passed away last June from a 2 1/2 battle that started as breast cancer and later became brain cancer. She is missed every single day. I want to take this moment to remind EVERYONE how important it is to keep up on mammograms and annual checkups. This means men too. It is crucial to detect cancer early and please, if anything doesn't seem right, a mole that looks funny, a headache that doesn't go away, a low grade fever or a lump GO AND HAVE IT CHECKED! It is so much better to have a doctor tell you it's nothing and feel silly then to be told it is too late.<br /><br /><br />FOODS THAT HELP FIGHT CANCER<br /><br />Antioxidants<br />Antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, have been shown to protect the body from tissue damage that occurs as a result of metabolism, also called oxidation, which has been linked with increased cancer risk. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E as well as carotenoids and other phytochemicals, may protect cells from the damage caused by oxidation's unstable molecules, also known as free radicals, by interacting with and stabilizing them.<br /><br />Keep in mind, however, that research has not proven that vitamin and mineral supplements are effective in combating cancer, so researchers suggest that you get antioxidants through food, rather than pills. Fruits and vegetables are primary sources, but antioxidants are also abundant in herbs and spices as well as coffee and tea. In addition, nutrient-rich foods deemed superfoods are also good choices.<br /><br />Vitamin C<br />Studies have shown that diets high in vitamin C can reduce the risk of cancer. Vitamin C is abundant in many fruits and vegetables, particularly papaya, strawberries, citrus, peppers, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale.<br /><br />Vitamin E<br />The most active form of vitamin E is called alpha-tocopherol, a powerful antioxidant. Research is divided on whether or not vitamin E can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. However, it has been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds and almonds, olives, papaya, blueberries and dark leafy greens.<br />Beta-carotene<br />Beta-carotene is a carotenoid related to vitamin A. Because it is abundant in fruits and vegetables, it is believed to help combat cancer. However, studies on beta-carotene supplements have shown no benefit, with one study even reporting that high doses of beta-carotene may actually increase cancer risk. Researchers suggest eating foods rich in beta-carotene, primarily fruits and vegetables, and avoiding mega-doses of supplements. Sources of beta-carotene include bright colored fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, winter squash, cilantro, fresh thyme, cantaloupe and broccoli.<br />Lycopene<br />That red-orange carotenoid found primarily in tomatoes called lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, but researchers cannot positively conclude that it is the lycopene, or the other phytonutrients that are responsible. They suggest getting lycopene from whole food sources. In addition to tomatoes, other foods that contain lycopene include pink grapefruit, watermelon, guava, apricot and papaya.<br />Folate<br />Not only is folate, a B vitamin, essential in preventing birth defects, such as spina bifida, research suggests that a folate deficiency may also increase the risk of colon, rectum, and breast cancers. Folate is found in many vegetables, beans, fruits, whole grains, and fortified breakfast cereals. Leafy greens, lentils and beans are especially high in folate.<br />Selenium<br />Selenium is a mineral that contributes to the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms. Research indicates that selenium may reduce the risk of lung, colon and prostate cancers. However, researchers caution against high-dose supplements of selenium due to the potential for toxicity. Food sources of selenium include lamb and fish, such as halibut, salmon, tuna, snapper and cod, as well as barley and mushrooms.<br /><br />Vitamin D<br />Vitamin D may be effective in reducing colon, prostate and breast cancers. Vitamin D is manufactured in the body through skin exposure to sunlight, or ultraviolet radiation (UV), and through fortified food products like milk and cereals. Researchers suggest getting limited exposure to sun (to prevent skin cancer), taking vitamin D supplements, and consuming foods rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, shrimp, eggs, milk and fortified breads and cereals. Note that due to potentially high levels of mercury in seafood, you should limit your intake of fish to two times per week.<br /><br />Fruits and Vegetables<br />In general, you can reduce your risk of cancer by chocking your diet full of fruits and vegetables. People with higher consumption of produce tend to have lower rates of cancer. Because researchers don’t know the specific compounds responsible for reducing cancer, they suggest getting at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. In addition to increasing your intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytonutrients, eating more fruits and vegetables can also help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of other diseases.<br /><br />Water and Other Fluids<br />Drinking water and other liquids may reduce your risk of bladder cancer. A higher volume of liquid in the bladder dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time the lining of the bladder is exposed to them. Researchers recommend at least eight cups of water or other liquid a day. You may need even more if you exercise (exercise combats cancer, too) or are taking medications that can cause dehydration.<br /><br />By changing your diet to include more wholesome foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes, you will not only reduce your risk of cancer, you will be reducing your risk of becoming overweight and getting weight-related diseases.karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12395516696948877015noreply@blogger.com0