Book Talk by Susan Bratton at Amagansett Free Library

The “Meals to Heal Cookbook” about proper nutrition for cancer patients by Susan Bratton and Jessica Iannotta will be the center of a book talk on October 15, at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the Amagansett Free Library.

“Nutrition is a vital component of anyone’s fight against cancer, but loss of appetite and the side effects of treatment can make even the simple act of eating a challenge,” Ms. Bratton said.

The idea for the “Meals to Heal Cookbook” was prompted by a call Ms. Bratton received in 2008 from her friend Eric, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. His incapacitating disease and the treatments caused difficulty and pain in swallowing, as well as a loss of interest in food. During his struggle to maintain good health during treatment, Ms. Bratton realized a healthcare challenge that had to be tackled.

The “Meals to Heal Cookbook” contains 150 recipes centered on the nutritional necessities and wellbeing of cancer patients. An Amagansett resident for 16 years, Ms. Bratton is the founder and CEO of Savor Health based in NYC which “provides healthy, nutritious, customized, home-delivered meals to cancer patients (and their caregivers) that help mitigate the effects of treatment, as well as provide access to oncology-based nutritionists and information resources to help cancer patients manage their diet.”

Oncology-credentialed registered dietitians formulated the recipes and the book features easy-to- prepare dishes with nutrients cancer patients need to uphold strength.

“Certain foods, ingredients, and meal preparations can mitigate and prevent side effects and, in doing so, prevent, slow, and even reverse malnutrition, not to mention help patients with their energy and enjoyment of life,” Ms. Bratton said. The recipes are divided by some common symptoms and side effects that include fatigue, nausea, digestive issues, mouth sores and taste and smell aversion to name a few.

Recipes in the “Meals to Heal Cookbook” are grounded on the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, which have been proven to reduce cancer risk and recurrence. “These recipes are great for anyone looking to eat healthy as they contain minimal amounts of animal fat, lean proteins, healthy grains and legumes, and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables,” Ms. Bratton said. She remarked that it is easy to make these recipes throughout the year, especially on the East End where buying local is a priority.

This book talk is free and open to the public. Ms. Bratton will be there to answer questions and sign copies of her book. The Amagansett Free Library is located at 215 Main Street in Amagansett. For reservations and more information, call (631) 267- 3810 or visit www.amaglibrary.org.