LOSING WEIGHT AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

1 KEEP IT SIMPLE

Being active doesn’t have to mean expensive gym memberships or special equipment.

Brisk walking is a great way of raising your heart rate and all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes. The key thing with exercise is to start slowly and build up gradually.

2 BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Adapt your exercise routine to how you feel – if you are more tired or feel under the weather, choose lighter activities and don’t feel guilty if you indulge in your favourite foods once in a while.

As you cope with the physical and emotional effects of breast cancer, it’s about trying to get the balance right.

3 KEEP TRACK

Recording your activity is a great motivator and helps track your progress. For example, you could use an app to count your steps and aim to reach a certain number a day.

4 CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Set yourself a goal by signing up to a sporting event such as a Pink Ribbon Walk and raise funds for charity at the same time.

5 SPLASHING AND STRETCHING

Swimming and gentle yoga are great all-round exercises which are low-impact, so won’t put your joints under stress. They can also boost your mood and improve movement after surgery.

6 A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

As well as a good way of getting a balanced diet, studies have shown that following a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, cereal grains, olive oil and fish can be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.

7 BRING DOWN THE BOOZE

Alcoholic drinks tend to be high in calories and are known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer, so try to limit the amount you drink each week.

8 FIND INSPIRATION

Chat with people going through similar experiences and ask what works for them on Breast Cancer Care’s online forum or read about other’s experiences on Breast Cancer Care’s end of treatment support app BECCA.