By all accounts, it looks like a group of friends gathered around the kitchen island for a casual brunch. Hands reach for ramekins filled with fresh corn and legumes, tossed (over lively conversation) into a bowl of barley and mint. The only thing missing is the wine! But on closer inspection, this small gathering is much more than it appears to be. The colorful meal created here at Wellspring, a cancer support service on the Sunnybrook campus, is actually meant to inspire health and self-empowerment.
Wellspring already offers more than 50 free programs to meet the physical and emotional needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. This newest one is called “Nourish”, and is essentially a nutrition program where participants can sample food, learn new recipes and the science behind the fuel that can help boost energy, reduce side effects and cut the risk of infection.
I met one of the participants, a breast cancer survivor who, admittedly, wasn’t a very good cook (I can relate!). A long course of chemotherapy had left her 30 pounds lighter, and her entire cancer journey, much more introspective about things she had control over. Food is a biggie. Experts at Wellspring say that nutrition is one of the most important aspects of self-care for people affected by all types of cancer. Indeed, what to the naked eye may look like mere tomato may in fact be a powerful, lycopene-powered punch against prostate cancer. And adding things like ginger to meals, and cooking low-aroma foods, can help decrease difficult side effects of treatment, like nausea.
Registered dietitian and Nourish facilitator Jean LaMantia says, the trick is loading up on plants, healthy fats and colorful fruits and vegetables (pigment is a great indicator of the antioxidant component). And learning how to pack the most nutritional bang into a small meal, especially if food has become difficult to tolerate. Following treatment, she says the right foods can go a long way in maintaining good health. Sourcing the American Institute for Cancer Research, LaMantia says one third of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes, including following specific dietary recommendations.
It’s certainly something to chew on, especially in the beauty of Wellspring’s new demonstration kitchen. It’s just like being at home (if your home is lucky enough to be outfitted with fabulous glass backsplash and stainless steel appliances!). Add in some great conversation and friendly faces, and you have the perfect recipe to feed the body and soul.
For more information on Nourish, visit the Wellspring website.
