A new cookbook with recipes designed specifically for people undergoing treatment for cancer is attracting rave reviews. "People have said that they are surprised by the variety of recipes and how tasty they are for everyone in the whole family," says Colleen Doyle, M.S., R.D., director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society, which published What to Eat During Cancer Treatment.
"While the cookbook is targeted to people undergoing treatment, we hope they - and their families! - find the recipes delicious enough to incorporate into their meal plans after treatment also, she adds. In fact, says Doyle, "We've had someone tell us they loved the teriyaki salmon recipe - and so did her four-year-old daughter!"
Certain types of nutrition issues are particularly important for cancer patients to consider. "Good nutrition is important for all of us," explains Doyle, "but is especially important when someone is undergoing treatment. Being well-nourished - getting sufficient calories, protein, and other nutrients - will help the patient feel better, keep up strength and energy, help to better tolerate treatment-related side effects, lower the risk of infection, and help heal and recover more quickly."
The cookbook authors organized the recipes by side effect, so that it would be easy for patients and their caregivers to quickly identify recipes that would be most helpful for them at the time.
"We wanted appealing recipes with a variety of flavors, textures, and food groups to make recipes that taste great, are easy to prepare, use readily available ingredients, and use healthful, not processed, ingredients," says Doyle.
She adds that they included recipes that reflect a streamlined classic comfort foods (chicken pot pie, shepherd's pie, mac 'n' cheese) but with a contemporary spin (Grilled Peanut Butter-Banana-Chocolate Panini, Bulgur Salad with Dried Fruit, Veggie Pita Bread Salad, Brown Rice and Chickpea Salad, Pita Pesto Pizza). The cookbook also includes helpful tips such as ways to boost flavors if you're not experiencing tastes well and how to minimize weight loss.
Reaction to the book has been very positive, says Doyle. "At one point, we had a 225 ranking on Amazon.com, so we know people are interested in the topic!"
On a related note, Epicurious is teaming up with the American Cancer Society for a contest to find the official healthy birthday cake of the ACS. Have the best wholesome birthday cake recipe ever? Send it in now and try for the grand prize of a trip for two to New York City. Good luck!
by Joanne Camas
MORE FROM EPICURIOUS.COM
Recipes and tips for comfort food that’s both healthy and satisfying
25 recipes that keep it simple with 5 ingredients or less
Short on time? Get help with Epicurious’s Weekly Dinner Planners
10 budget-saving ingredients and recipes to make with them
Scare up a festive Halloween with Epicurious’s recipes, party ideas and how-to videos
