Ann Ogden Gaffney founded Cook for Your Life, a nutritional program offering free cooking classes for cancer patients and now presents a cookbook written with the belief that "good food is one of the most underestimated elements of successful cancer treatment."
As a two-time cancer survivor, Gaffney understands what is needed before, during and after treatment, including which foods can provide symptom relief, fulfill nutritional needs and allow a sense of control during a chaotic time. The cookbook is organized according to a patient's needs, both emotionally and physically, and according to the stages of cancer treatment. Sections like "Simple" or "Soothing" are tailored to the worst days of radiation or chemotherapy, with recipes like Breakfast Quinoa with Green Tea and Dates, Arugula Pesto with Whole-Wheat Spaghettini, and Tarragon and Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo. For days when energy and appetite resurface, sections like "Spicy," "Safe" and "Sweet" include recipes for Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Egg Quesadilla with Sauteed Mushrooms, and Poached-Pear Bread Pudding. And the section titled "Scrumptious" is perfect for healthy survivorship, with recipes like Fish Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw, Beet Risotto, and Chile Rellenos.
Recipes include tips for ingredient substitutions and adjustments, time-saving tricks and ways to modify recipes according to specific dietary recommendations (for example, an antimicrobial or bland diet), treatments or side effects (like nausea and fatigue). Cancer patients often have little appetite or may crave the empty calories of comfort food out of fear. Gaffney understands that calories must be nutritious, satisfying and easily attainable. --Kristen Galles from Book Club Classics