(Arlington, VA, Tuesday, August 27, 2019) –  Healthy eating plays a key role in cancer-protection starting early in life, so experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) have developed a cancer protective checklist to help you and your family start the back-to-school season with a cancer-protective kitchen.

AICR research shows that aside from not smoking, being at a healthy weight is the single biggest lifestyle step to protect against cancer. Helping children develop habits that support a healthy weight is important for establishing lifelong healthful habits.

Here are three of AICR’s seven steps for your kitchen makeover:

• 1. Get rid of foods high in added sugar and fat:  Highly processed foods pack a lot of calories per bite and may not satisfy hunger, making it easy to overeat.
  2. Replace processed lunch meats with healthy proteins: Stock up on cheese sticks, peanut butter, hummus, fresh sliced meats, and hard-boiled eggs.
  3. Stock up on favorite fruits and vegetables: Cut up those veggies and fruits, clear off your top fridge shelf and put them front and center. Place your favorite dip there too so you and your kids can easily grab a healthy snack.

 The American Institute for Cancer Research champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity, so that people can make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk.

AICR has contributed over $108 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. Find evidence-based tools and information for lowering cancer risk, including AICR’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations, at http://www.aicr.org/.