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Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen: The Girlfriend’s Cookbook and Guide to Using Real Food to Fight Cancer
Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen, which has been named #3 of The 25 Cookbooks of the Year for 2012 by TheDailyMeal.com, is the ultimate resource for the woman who has been handed the cancer card--and for the one who never wants to get it.
Authors Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott are cancer survivors, so they know exactly what it's like to deal with "the Big C." Here they share girlfriend-style, real-life knowledge and experience about the healing power of food, along with their stories of cancer ups and downs--with more than 100 recipes for fighting cancer and soothing symptoms of treatment.
Whether someone is in the thick of "Cancer World" and wants to know what to expect, or for anyone who wants to do all they can to boost their health, Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen offers guidance on not only surviving, but thriving --before, during, and after cancer.
Authors Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott are cancer survivors, so they know exactly what it's like to deal with "the Big C." Here they share girlfriend-style, real-life knowledge and experience about the healing power of food, along with their stories of cancer ups and downs--with more than 100 recipes for fighting cancer and soothing symptoms of treatment.
Whether someone is in the thick of "Cancer World" and wants to know what to expect, or for anyone who wants to do all they can to boost their health, Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen offers guidance on not only surviving, but thriving --before, during, and after cancer.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2012
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32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 10, 2012
I just finished this book and as a cancer survivor, I truly loved it. I can certainly understand why the original reviewer only gave it 3 stars - he's a 15 year old boy! :) This book is definitely targeted to women, primarily with cancer now or in the past. But I think it would also be very useful to any woman without cancer. It's full of information on food and it offers so much support. I've tried a handful of recipes, and really enjoyed them all (try the mint chip smoothie and cashew kale!). I think what I liked the most is how it's so friendly and honest, while at the same time providing good info AND recipes. It's something I can really do while in chemo. I've recommended it to my friends with and without cancer!
November 28, 2019
After my total mastectomy and halfway through my chemotherapy treatments, I finally ran out of all the ice cream, candies and pastries gifted to me by well-meaning friends and family members. I know what you're thinking, but kicking cancer in the butt is a hard job!
Eventually, I came to realize that even a massive sugar high couldn't compensate for losing my breasts, hair, eyelashes and eyebrows (in that order), and it was time to start Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen (by Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott).
I was tempted to skip the narrative and get right to the recipes but since I'm the type to read cereal boxes, I couldn't resist a little peek. So I skimmed the first few pages until I got to the part that read, "We get it. We know what it is like to be stopped in your tracks by what seems to be a death sentence. And we know what it's like to awaken from the post-diagnosis, scared-shitless stupor and wonder, "What the heck do I do now?!"
Yes, Ramke and Scott absolutely get it. I know because their narration is as real as it gets! As I continued to read their stories I wished someone would have given me this book on day ONE of my diagnosis. Each of the authors tells her own story and they follow up with some very reassuring advice on everything from dealing with the diagnosis and ensuing surgery, to hair loss, attitude, decision making, relationships, support, scars, and even some advice for friends of cancer "chicks".
When they finally get to the food, they give a brief summary of the types of food we should be eating and why. If you've made poor food choices in the past, the authors make it easy to ramp up slowly by describing poor choices, better choices, and best choices. So don't be afraid that you'll have to make drastic changes very quickly. They advocate creating small attainable goals and building on them.
Finally, on page 131, they give you a 3 day sample diet...but wait! No recipes yet. Just the page numbers for the recipes. Chapter 6 is devoted to the how-tos of the typically diet-busting activity of Eating Out, healthy options for cravings, special diet tips during your cancer treatment. and getting zen. Chapter 7 makes sure you understand the benefits of a healthy diet and then goes on for quite a few pages giving you permission not to be perfect.
On page 193 they FINALLY get to the recipes, but first, a page entitled Recipe Guide. So let's face it. This is a narrative book that includes 134 pages of recipes. On the positive side, it's like getting two books for the price of one. If you don't have cancer and you just want to start eating better, you can just skip the narrative and you'll have a wonderful recipe book that stays true to healthy ingredients. But if you have cancer or are buying it for someone who has cancer the narrative is powerful, personal, and grounding and I suggest that you buy this book at the earliest point possible, not only for the recipes but for its head-space altering advice like: "Don't freak over the answers that are not given to you now, because you would not be able to live them...Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without ever noticing it, live your way into the answer..."
Trust me. This advice is truer than you could ever imagine.
Back to the recipe portion, each section is headlined: Smoothies, Breakfast, Leafy Greens, Veggies From Land and Sea, Grains, Proteins, Soups, Snacks, Sweets, and Refreshments and indexed alphabetically in the back of the book by section and then the main ingredient in in the title of the recipe (for example Squash, Savory Stuffed Acorn) because who looks up savory?) Recipes begin with the health benefits derived (i.e. brain boosting / constipation kicking / fatigue fighting / immune boosting and labeled as such if it's vegan and/or vegetarian. Although it's included in some of Kendall and Annette's Tasty tips and other suggestions, I would have liked to see a uniform label with preparation and cook time.
The recipes look really fresh and interesting but many require ingredients that we unhealthy eaters won't typically find in our kitchens, such as spelt flour, unrefined coconut oil, real maple syrup, tofu, and almond milk.
I'm eager to try some of these recipes, although only the most ambitious will follow this type of diet religiously. But as Kendall and Annette recommend, I believe any healthy change in the diet is better than no change at all.
Eventually, I came to realize that even a massive sugar high couldn't compensate for losing my breasts, hair, eyelashes and eyebrows (in that order), and it was time to start Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen (by Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott).
I was tempted to skip the narrative and get right to the recipes but since I'm the type to read cereal boxes, I couldn't resist a little peek. So I skimmed the first few pages until I got to the part that read, "We get it. We know what it is like to be stopped in your tracks by what seems to be a death sentence. And we know what it's like to awaken from the post-diagnosis, scared-shitless stupor and wonder, "What the heck do I do now?!"
Yes, Ramke and Scott absolutely get it. I know because their narration is as real as it gets! As I continued to read their stories I wished someone would have given me this book on day ONE of my diagnosis. Each of the authors tells her own story and they follow up with some very reassuring advice on everything from dealing with the diagnosis and ensuing surgery, to hair loss, attitude, decision making, relationships, support, scars, and even some advice for friends of cancer "chicks".
When they finally get to the food, they give a brief summary of the types of food we should be eating and why. If you've made poor food choices in the past, the authors make it easy to ramp up slowly by describing poor choices, better choices, and best choices. So don't be afraid that you'll have to make drastic changes very quickly. They advocate creating small attainable goals and building on them.
Finally, on page 131, they give you a 3 day sample diet...but wait! No recipes yet. Just the page numbers for the recipes. Chapter 6 is devoted to the how-tos of the typically diet-busting activity of Eating Out, healthy options for cravings, special diet tips during your cancer treatment. and getting zen. Chapter 7 makes sure you understand the benefits of a healthy diet and then goes on for quite a few pages giving you permission not to be perfect.
On page 193 they FINALLY get to the recipes, but first, a page entitled Recipe Guide. So let's face it. This is a narrative book that includes 134 pages of recipes. On the positive side, it's like getting two books for the price of one. If you don't have cancer and you just want to start eating better, you can just skip the narrative and you'll have a wonderful recipe book that stays true to healthy ingredients. But if you have cancer or are buying it for someone who has cancer the narrative is powerful, personal, and grounding and I suggest that you buy this book at the earliest point possible, not only for the recipes but for its head-space altering advice like: "Don't freak over the answers that are not given to you now, because you would not be able to live them...Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without ever noticing it, live your way into the answer..."
Trust me. This advice is truer than you could ever imagine.
Back to the recipe portion, each section is headlined: Smoothies, Breakfast, Leafy Greens, Veggies From Land and Sea, Grains, Proteins, Soups, Snacks, Sweets, and Refreshments and indexed alphabetically in the back of the book by section and then the main ingredient in in the title of the recipe (for example Squash, Savory Stuffed Acorn) because who looks up savory?) Recipes begin with the health benefits derived (i.e. brain boosting / constipation kicking / fatigue fighting / immune boosting and labeled as such if it's vegan and/or vegetarian. Although it's included in some of Kendall and Annette's Tasty tips and other suggestions, I would have liked to see a uniform label with preparation and cook time.
The recipes look really fresh and interesting but many require ingredients that we unhealthy eaters won't typically find in our kitchens, such as spelt flour, unrefined coconut oil, real maple syrup, tofu, and almond milk.
I'm eager to try some of these recipes, although only the most ambitious will follow this type of diet religiously. But as Kendall and Annette recommend, I believe any healthy change in the diet is better than no change at all.
September 3, 2012
This is a difficult book to review that has been written, without a doubt, with good intent about a very serious subject. Cancer.
According to the publisher, this book is for the woman ‘…who has been handed the cancer card–and for the one who never wants to get it.’ Written by two Cancer survivors, the authors set out to share ‘girlfriend-style’ knowledge and experiences about the healing power of food, stories of cancer ups and downs with more than 100 recipes for fighting cancer and soothing symptoms of treatment.
This reviewer, a male who has no direct experience of cancer, desperately is trying to remain sympathetic about this book. It is clear that unless you have or have had cancer you cannot really, truly, appreciate how deliberating the disease is and its effects on everyday life. Yet, this reviewer is not exactly sold on the idea that this book is the way forward. It could be a matter of style. In a bid to be informal and friendly maybe it tries just too much. Maybe the book tries to pigeon-hole itself too hard.
To be clear, no opinion is given as to the efficacy of the dietary regime under discussion – this is something that should be discussed with a healthcare professional. It is clear that many of the suggestions can have general health benefits and if these benefits help you ‘handle’ your cancer better (if one can even say such a thing without appearing obtuse) then is that a bad thing. Yet equally can the ‘benefits’ be really demonstrated as being efficacious compared to any other dietary regime? The dietary regime being proposed by the authors is not so easily categorised. The authors admit that they have a focus on real, plant-based foods that retains flexibility, based on individual choice, for some animal proteins.
Once you start to dig through the book, you note that there are two main sections, a ‘girlfriend’s guide’ and then the recipes. The former details the authors’ personal cancer stories, details of support and resource connections as well as more detailed information about the range and scope of the dietary regime. The latter section, the recipes, should be self-explanatory. The book is clearly written from a North American-perspective and thus there will probably be some subtle differences with healthcare pathways and procedures in your own country (if you are not based in the U.S.). However this should not be a significant barrier to hinderance.
The feeling behind the authors’ text is not in question and certainly there is a lot of information that would appeal to the health-conscious person, whether they have cancer or not. This reviewer just feels that the initial ‘packaging’ and tone the book sets up too many hackles and might encourage the casual browser to pass on by. With books of this nature, it is more likely that you will form a close personal connection to the book and what it stands for OR you will form a strong indifference and possibily hostility. There is not so much middle ground and thus a closer, personal inspection of this book prior to possible purchase would be strongly recommended. Don’t just buy it blind.
Looking at the recipes themselves, some of them look sufficiently different to even appeal to a hardened meat-eater, such as an ‘Oatmeal Carrot Cookie Smoothie’ or ‘Sweet & Strong Adzuki Beans.” Each recipe starts with a short bullet point about its raison d’être, such as ‘blood boosting, constipation kicking’ and a short introduction. The ingredients’ list and procedure are concisely written so there is no major hassle involved in making the dishes. There is a collection of photographs bound together rather than appearing next to each dish – and that is mostly an irritant when you are browsing through the book for inspiration. Are you likely to be using this book though as a casual browsing source? Debatable.
So all in all this book is a much of a muchness. A strong recommendation for or against cannot be made. If you are a cancer sufferer and you are looking at changing your diet it might be worthy of a read or consideration. If you are looking for a general health-changing book this might not directly hit the target, but if you can check it out in a bookstore it might be worthy of a glance at least. A difficult conclusion, over a book that purportedly can help mitigate and help those suffering from a very difficult, consuming illness.
Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen: The Girlfriend’s Cookbook and Guide to Using Real Food to Fight Cancer, written by Annette Ramke & Kendall Scott and published by Running Press/Perseus Books Group. ISBN 9780762446773, 352 pages. Typical price: USD22. YYY.
// This review appeared in YUM.fi and is reproduced here in full with permission of YUM.fi. YUM.fi celebrates the worldwide diversity of food and drink, as presented through the humble book. Whether you call it a cookery book, cook book, recipe book or something else (in the language of your choice) YUM will provide you with news and reviews of the latest books on the marketplace. //
According to the publisher, this book is for the woman ‘…who has been handed the cancer card–and for the one who never wants to get it.’ Written by two Cancer survivors, the authors set out to share ‘girlfriend-style’ knowledge and experiences about the healing power of food, stories of cancer ups and downs with more than 100 recipes for fighting cancer and soothing symptoms of treatment.
This reviewer, a male who has no direct experience of cancer, desperately is trying to remain sympathetic about this book. It is clear that unless you have or have had cancer you cannot really, truly, appreciate how deliberating the disease is and its effects on everyday life. Yet, this reviewer is not exactly sold on the idea that this book is the way forward. It could be a matter of style. In a bid to be informal and friendly maybe it tries just too much. Maybe the book tries to pigeon-hole itself too hard.
To be clear, no opinion is given as to the efficacy of the dietary regime under discussion – this is something that should be discussed with a healthcare professional. It is clear that many of the suggestions can have general health benefits and if these benefits help you ‘handle’ your cancer better (if one can even say such a thing without appearing obtuse) then is that a bad thing. Yet equally can the ‘benefits’ be really demonstrated as being efficacious compared to any other dietary regime? The dietary regime being proposed by the authors is not so easily categorised. The authors admit that they have a focus on real, plant-based foods that retains flexibility, based on individual choice, for some animal proteins.
Once you start to dig through the book, you note that there are two main sections, a ‘girlfriend’s guide’ and then the recipes. The former details the authors’ personal cancer stories, details of support and resource connections as well as more detailed information about the range and scope of the dietary regime. The latter section, the recipes, should be self-explanatory. The book is clearly written from a North American-perspective and thus there will probably be some subtle differences with healthcare pathways and procedures in your own country (if you are not based in the U.S.). However this should not be a significant barrier to hinderance.
The feeling behind the authors’ text is not in question and certainly there is a lot of information that would appeal to the health-conscious person, whether they have cancer or not. This reviewer just feels that the initial ‘packaging’ and tone the book sets up too many hackles and might encourage the casual browser to pass on by. With books of this nature, it is more likely that you will form a close personal connection to the book and what it stands for OR you will form a strong indifference and possibily hostility. There is not so much middle ground and thus a closer, personal inspection of this book prior to possible purchase would be strongly recommended. Don’t just buy it blind.
Looking at the recipes themselves, some of them look sufficiently different to even appeal to a hardened meat-eater, such as an ‘Oatmeal Carrot Cookie Smoothie’ or ‘Sweet & Strong Adzuki Beans.” Each recipe starts with a short bullet point about its raison d’être, such as ‘blood boosting, constipation kicking’ and a short introduction. The ingredients’ list and procedure are concisely written so there is no major hassle involved in making the dishes. There is a collection of photographs bound together rather than appearing next to each dish – and that is mostly an irritant when you are browsing through the book for inspiration. Are you likely to be using this book though as a casual browsing source? Debatable.
So all in all this book is a much of a muchness. A strong recommendation for or against cannot be made. If you are a cancer sufferer and you are looking at changing your diet it might be worthy of a read or consideration. If you are looking for a general health-changing book this might not directly hit the target, but if you can check it out in a bookstore it might be worthy of a glance at least. A difficult conclusion, over a book that purportedly can help mitigate and help those suffering from a very difficult, consuming illness.
Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen: The Girlfriend’s Cookbook and Guide to Using Real Food to Fight Cancer, written by Annette Ramke & Kendall Scott and published by Running Press/Perseus Books Group. ISBN 9780762446773, 352 pages. Typical price: USD22. YYY.
// This review appeared in YUM.fi and is reproduced here in full with permission of YUM.fi. YUM.fi celebrates the worldwide diversity of food and drink, as presented through the humble book. Whether you call it a cookery book, cook book, recipe book or something else (in the language of your choice) YUM will provide you with news and reviews of the latest books on the marketplace. //
July 25, 2013
This is a great book for those of you who are diagnosed with cancer, like myself, or for someone you may know who has been diagnosed. This is a book that gives you a healthier lifestyle with your eating habits. There are many great recipe ideas that are not only healthy, but tasty as well. I have tried a few of the recipes, and found them to be easy, delicious, and healthy! I especially loved how they explained why each recipe was important to your health and what nutritional value you are digesting.
Cancer is not an easy path for the person who is diagnosed, or the family members supporting them. This book made me feel like you aren't alone. It is written in such a pleasant way, you almost feel like you're reading a book written by your girlfriend. It was easy to read, and a joy as well. It was great to read about other's experiences with cancer and how it affected them.
Overall I would rate this book a 5/5 and I insist that anyone who knows of someone who is dealing with cancer, to read this book!
Cancer is not an easy path for the person who is diagnosed, or the family members supporting them. This book made me feel like you aren't alone. It is written in such a pleasant way, you almost feel like you're reading a book written by your girlfriend. It was easy to read, and a joy as well. It was great to read about other's experiences with cancer and how it affected them.
Overall I would rate this book a 5/5 and I insist that anyone who knows of someone who is dealing with cancer, to read this book!
July 23, 2013
Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen by Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott is a book that is going to help any woman who has been told the dreaded “You have Cancer”. I was given that message and I wish I had this book a lot sooner then I did. But I have it now, and I am so glad for that.
Food is life, whether you have cancer or you do not have cancer everyone needs food. The thing is when you have cancer there are foods that can help you. Now if you are anything like me the choices, and many of the foods suggested are going to be a little bit different. However the recipes that are given to you make them easy to adjust too. I think the best part of the day for me is when I start with one of the smoothie recipes offered. With my long on going battle with cancer I never seemed to want breakfast, until now. The tropical island one seems to go over the best.
The information that is offered in this book really is eye opening. I would recommend any woman who has cancer, give it a try. Or really any woman who wants to eat healthier and better how they feel every day. This really was a great book.
Food is life, whether you have cancer or you do not have cancer everyone needs food. The thing is when you have cancer there are foods that can help you. Now if you are anything like me the choices, and many of the foods suggested are going to be a little bit different. However the recipes that are given to you make them easy to adjust too. I think the best part of the day for me is when I start with one of the smoothie recipes offered. With my long on going battle with cancer I never seemed to want breakfast, until now. The tropical island one seems to go over the best.
The information that is offered in this book really is eye opening. I would recommend any woman who has cancer, give it a try. Or really any woman who wants to eat healthier and better how they feel every day. This really was a great book.
February 12, 2013
I'm a cancer survivor and vegetarian. Great book for those currently in treatment, survivors or have family and friends with cancer. The recipes are primarily plant-based, which I like, and are helpful for those who are looking to cut back on meat and incorporate some nutrition-packed foods in their diet. I found that some of the recipes needed the seasoning amped up a bit, but most of what I've tried has been good. The authors provide great information on nutrition and support for cancer treatment, survival and prevention. Their person stories of their journeys with cancer are relatable and brave.
August 25, 2015
This book has helped me so much during my cancer and chemo treatment . Not only were the recipes delicious , the book helps you deal with all kinds of emotions you go through during the process. About your body, mind and soul. Loved it .
January 2, 2014
Excellent recipes, as well as some good health advice for cancer patients/survivors and for those who cook for cancer patients/survivors.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews