Eight Step Plan to Avoid Cancer The American Institute for Cancer Research has released these eight guidelines for avoiding cancer. The last six are diet related: 1. Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight. 2. Be physically active as part of everyday life. 3. Limit consumption of "energy-dense foods," foods that are high in calories, fat and sugar. Avoid sugary drinks.   4. Eat mostly foods of plant origin, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. 5. Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat (such as sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats). 6. Limit alcoholic drinks to one per day for women, two per day for men. 7. Limit consumption of salt. Avoid moldy grains or legumes (beans, peanuts). 8. Set your goadl to meet nutritional needs through diet alone, without dietary supplements.   Home