The Secret to Great Colon Health Is in Your Fridge!

Did you know that cancer of the colon and the rectum is the 3rd most common type of cancer that affects both men and women in the United States? What's even more shocking is that colon cancer can be prevented. If colon and rectum cancer can be prevented, why do are so many affected by it?

The truth is, most people have poor lifestyle habits that increase their risk of getting colon cancer and other chronic illnesses. Most of the risk factors and lifestyle choices that are associated with bad health include:

• Eating fatty, processed and sugary foods
• Consuming drugs and alcohol on a frequent basis
• Smoking
• Sedentary/inactive lifestyle
• Obesity
• Stress

Can you clean your colon by cleaning out your fridge?

One of the biggest causes of chronic illnesses including colon cancer is the food choices that people make. We all know when Hippocrates said "Let Food be Thy Medicine", he meant it. However, living in a fast paced world where everyone is always on the go, it can be difficult to eat the proper foods that are right for you. So, what can you do?

When you hear of people talking about dieting and living a healthy lifestyle, you always hear them telling you what to avoid, what to get more of, and how to exercise, but you rarely hear them talking about your refrigerator. Yes, there are some foods that are in your refrigerator that are causing more harm than good. This is why it's crucial to take an inventory of what foods are in your refrigerator that you simply don't need in your life anymore. But, let's start with you can do now to make your fridge healthier.

1. Don't Buy "Bad" Food - The first step would simply be not to buy sugary, processed, starchy and fatty foods. Have you ever heard of the phrase: Out of sight out of mind? If cookies, cake and candy are not in your refrigerator to tempt you, you will have no choice but to reach for something more nutritious and healthier like a juicy apple or other fresh fruits. To avoid temptation, simply make a grocery list and stick to it. If it's not on the list, don't buy it. If a sweet tooth emerges while shopping, head to the fruit aisle and stock up on organic blueberries, strawberries, and other succulent fruits that are delicious and healthy.

2. Put fruits and veggies on top - I guarantee if you go to anyone's home, including yours, and look in their fridge, you will have to hunt for fruits and vegetables. Somewhere along the way there was a myth that you can keep fruits and veggies at the bottom bin to keep them fresher. However, in most cases, a lot of households are throwing away a lot of fruits and veggies, because they simply forget that they have them in the bottom bin! Instead of hiding your fruits and vegetables in the bottom bin of the fridge, store them in a see through plastic container/bag at eye level. This way when you open the fridge, those nutritious foods are the first thing you see. This way you will be more inclined to reach for fruits and veggies instead of processed and starchy foods.


3. Store healthier options - As you know, people are busy. There's work, soccer practice, after school homework, and the list goes on. It can be quite tempting to go through a fast food drive -through and get food on the go. While fast food is quick and convenient, it also causes a lot of problems. It's safe to say that fatty foods link to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and a myriad of other chronic illnesses. So, why not make your own "fast food". The easy way to do this is create and prepare healthy meals and snacks, then store them in plastic storage containers with date labels. This way your fridge will be stocked with healthy "on the go" food whenever you need it.


4. Don't forget about your freezer - Yes, the freezer is part of your fridge as well. A freezer can be your best friend when you are trying to lose and/or maintain a healthy weight. If you have a sweet tooth, and crave for cookies, and cake, forget about it. Just take some bananas, blueberries, and other fruits, and freeze them. In less than no time, you will have a delicious and healthy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth and keeps your middle little.

5. Hide "tempting foods" - Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to be healthy all the time. While it's important to consume a diet rich in organic fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats, it's also important that you don't deprive yourself either. It's okay to treat yourself as long as you don't go overboard. And, that's where self-discipline comes in. If you feel like you are going to give into temptation and go for the sweets, the best thing to do is hide them. If you hide them behind healthier options or in the bottom bin, you may forget that they are there. Another trick is simply don't keep the "tempting" foods in your home. If you really want to treat yourself, take a short trip to the grocery store with just enough cash for your "treat" and indulge. Just make sure you do it on special occasions and not every day of the week.

If you follow these simple tips to keeping your fridge "healthy", you will maintain a healthy weight, improve your colon health, and feel better overall. A healthy and clean fridge is the gateway to a healthy and clean colon.