Find tasty, healthy recipes ‘At the Table’

Looking for tasty and healthy recipes? Check out @TheTable.

Researchers Joya Chandra, Margaret Raber, and dietitian Rhea Li at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Children’s Hospital created this online cookbook for families of childhood cancer patients. The resource can also help childhood cancer survivors.

Chandra, Raber, and Li created the resource to answer nutrition questions from parents of childhood cancer patients. These parents were part of a study led by Chandra. The study aimed to find out how foods may affect a condition in the body called oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress happens when the body has too many substances called free radicals and not enough antioxidants. Free radicals harm cells and may lead to cancer or aging. Antioxidants, which are found in fruits and vegetables, can protect the body from this damage.

Parents in the study wanted to know what they could do to help improve their children’s health through diet. They needed ideas for healthy foods that their children would eat. At the time, there weren’t many resources for the childhood cancer community.

To address this need, Chandra, Raber, and Li set out to create an online cookbook. The team gathered recipes from M.D. Anderson employees, patients, donors, and local restaurants. The Junior League of Houston helped test recipes. 

What you can find in @TheTable

@TheTable launched in 2012. It includes recipes, practical advice, nutrition education, and videos. Some tip sheets are available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

Readers can find recipes and information based on topics such as:

• Symptoms
• Specific nutrition needs
• Color
• Texture
• Taste
• Quick meals

“Parents wanted to feel like they had some control over their child’s health,” Chandra said. “So, we came up with the idea to have a very accessible, practical resource.”

The cookbook can also help adult survivors of childhood cancer, who have a higher chance of health problems such as obesity. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Research shows that eating more fruits and vegetables (plant-based foods) can improve survivors’ health.

How to use @TheTable

Chandra suggests talking to your care provider or dietitian about your nutritional needs. Then, use the cookbook to find recipes and information. For example, you can find recipes that use fruits and vegetables in “Meatless Main Dishes” in the “Meal Planning” section.

You can also find healthier versions of your favorite comfort foods like macaroni and cheese.

“If you are craving something, there are ways to make it healthier,” Chandra says.