b'26 PaysoncaresGetting Back On Track To Eating HealthyHer favorite choices include adding fresh greens to any meal, topped with homemade dressing, perhaps including olive oil, mustard and a little garlic, salt and pepper. For summer cookouts, turkey or veggie burgers with grilled vegetables and fresh greens can provide multiple healthy meals, especially when using leftover veggies for a lunchtime wrap, breakfast omelet or with a salad. The key to healthy eating, Ryder said, is to include plant-based food, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. They help maintain a healthy body weight and reduce Even for people who usually eatEarly in the pandemic, many peoplein\x1f ammation tied to many diseases.healthy foods, 2020-21 has been tough. were interested in fresh food, plantingAt Payson Center, Ryder helps cancer There certainly have been lots ofgardens and cooking at home, butpatients maintain nutritious diets, challenges with COVID-19, particularlyafter a year, staying motivated wasbut she said healthy eating is good after more than a year with thedi\x1dcult, especially during the winter,for everyone.pandemic and people needing helpRyder said. Spring, then summer, to stay motivated and inspired to eatwith the resumption of farmersIm really trying to get people well, said Megan Ryder, Oncologymarkets, brought more fresh food andenthusiastic about healthy eating Dietitian at Concord Hospital Paysonrenewed opportunities for easy andand have it not be a chore, she said. Center for Cancer Care. enjoyable healthy meals.Im teaching how healthy food can Farmers at farmers markets o\x1e erimpact their bodies and impact Comfort food has been the go-toa connection to local fruits andcancer, but also just how wonderful choice for many, but Ryder says evenvegetables and have suggestions toand delicious it can be.comfort food can be healthy withhelp people get out of the rut and easy additions. back on track with healthy eating, There is no reason why, in my eyes,Ryder said. you cant have your packaged mac and cheese, Ryder said, but maybe you dont have a family-sized pan. You can have a small portion with some greens for a quick salad, frozen vegetables or roasted broccoli and youve got a pretty good, balanced meal that brings you comfort, but also brings you some anticancer bene\x1c t. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beansas recommended by the American Institute for Cancer Research. These plant-based foods are brimming with nutrition. Plants produce phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that may protect cells from damage and lower in\x1f ammation. Plants may also reduce the risk of cancer by boosting \x1e ber consumption with fewer calories, helping to maintain a healthy weight and gut microbiome.* 10/1/19 9/30/20'