Healthy Weight After Cancer

Some tips to help you keep off weight after surviving breast cancer.

Try these tips to maintain optimum weight and wellness post-breast cancer.

You’ve survived breast cancer, but now you may be dealing with weight issues. According to Shelley Lewis, author of Five Lessons I Didn’t Learn From Breast Cancer (and the One Big One I Did) (New American Library, 2008), “If you are suddenly thrown into menopause by hormone-suppressing drugs, it makes sense that you might have a slowed-down metabolism.” In addition, depression and lack of energy to exercise can contribute to weight gain. Here are some of Lewis’ tips for maintaining healthy weight after breast cancer.

» Eat organically and check the labels. Those low-fat cookies may have additives that can change your body chemistry.

» Eat green, and make the salad bar your best friend.

» There is a connection between booze and boobs, so think before you drink.

» If you had healthy food and weight habits before cancer, keep it up and continue to learn what you should put in your body. If you did not—start learning.

» Try yoga, which is great for body and mind. You breathe, you stretch, you work on joints and muscles that may have become stiff from surgery.