This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN, GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club

The GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club is a chance for patients, survivors, caregivers and providers to get together to discuss nutrition topics and learn more about how nutrition can play a role in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

GW Cancer Center


The GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club will be hosted Monthly on the 1st Monday from 12-1pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • September 12
  • October 3
  • November 7
  • December 5

About Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN

Lauren Powell

Lauren Powell (RDN, LDN) is a registered dietitian working in the DC area. She has served in many settings including food services, long-term care, rehab facilities, post-surgical, and intensive care units. While working at George Washington University Hospital she found her passion for Oncology Nutrition. She now works as the Dietitian for the GW Cancer Center helping to support the nutrition needs of those undergoing treatment and survivors.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN, GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club

The GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club is a chance for patients, survivors, caregivers and providers to get together to discuss nutrition topics and learn more about how nutrition can play a role in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

GW Cancer Center


The GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club will be hosted Monthly on the 1st Monday from 12-1pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • August 1
  • September 12
  • October 3
  • November 7
  • December 5

About Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN

Lauren Powell

Lauren Powell (RDN, LDN) is a registered dietitian working in the DC area. She has served in many settings including food services, long-term care, rehab facilities, post-surgical, and intensive care units. While working at George Washington University Hospital she found her passion for Oncology Nutrition. She now works as the Dietitian for the GW Cancer Center helping to support the nutrition needs of those undergoing treatment and survivors.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org

with Chef Kara Garrett

Join Chef Kara for an informative and interactive hour where she will bring beautiful fall produce into your kitchen.
As the temperature cools off, our bodies crave warm, nourishing foods and we still have access to a bounty of wonderful produce growing in the region. Soups & stews are perfect make-ahead meals to sustain you for the week or to freeze for quick, healthy meals with minimal planning.
Chef Kara will share her favorite one-pot, easy-to-prepare meals packed full of cancer-fighting nutrition. She will demonstrate helpful cooking tips & techniques for these easy recipes to expand your culinary expertise.
Menu items will include Italian Mushroom Barley Soup, Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Stew and a bonus quick & easy sweet treat! 

 

This is an interactive class and you are welcome to simply watch for new ideas or to choose which of the items you would like to prepare along with Chef Kara.


Shopping List

Menu Items:

Dark Chocolate Tofu Mousse

Fall Mushroom & Barley Soup

Moroccan Sweet Potato & Chickpea Stew


About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. She has adopted a flexible diet plan that focuses on plant-based, sustainable whole foods, but does not restrict indulgences of things she loves. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices that energize the body and the soul.

Kara graduated in August 2017 from the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC and spent one month as the sous chef at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York in Monroe, NY. She is currently enrolled in the Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity graduate program at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Nourishment for Life with Chefnurcian Laura Pole

Join Chef, Oncology Nurse and Musician (Chefnurcian) Laura Pole on Wednesday, June 15 from 12-1:30pm for a program tailored to anyone who has received a Metastatic Breast Cancer diagnosis. We’re going to have a great time exploring how foods and eating habits can nourish you and help you nurture a body that’s less hospitable to cancer.

 

Chefnurcian Laura will tailor the class to your questions and interests about nourishment. She will also present a food prep demo based on what most of you are interested in learning. Please send in your questions and recommendations ahead of time to programs@smithcenter.org.

Suggested Donation: $10


About Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Laura Pole

Laura, Director of Smith Center’s Nourishment Education Programs, has served as the head retreat chef and nurse consultant since 1997. She is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Integrative Oncology Navigator with over 40 years experience in caring for people with serious illness. She is also a Certified Health Supportive Chef, professional musician and Nia body-mind fitness instructor. Her popular cooking classes are centered on culinary translation: that is, helping  participants translate a diet prescription to a plate of nourishing delicious food. Laura is the founder of “Eating for a Lifetime,” a consulting business dedicated to teaching individuals and professionals about health supportive eating and food preparation. In addition to Laura’s work with nourishment, she is the co-coordinator of Smith Center’s Patient Navigation Training in Integrative Cancer Care. Laura also serves as coordinator of the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Healing in the Kitchen with Laura: Picnic TIme!

Healing in the Kitchen with Laura

Picnic Time!

Outdoor picnics, wherever they may be, are a great way to nourish yourself with food, companionship and nature.

 

Emerge from the winter with Chef Laura and prepare a picnic meal with those long-awaited just-picked vegetables and fruits of spring. Who knows… you might even get a virtual glimpse of one of her favorite picnic spots in the Blue Ridge mountains.

 

Carrots and sugar snap peas love to dip into Asparagus Tapenade.

Tender lettuce and arugula get along great with radishes and fennel in a Spring Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette.

How about some Black Bean and Forbidden Rice Patties?

They’re going to make their way along with sliced avocadoes and Chipotle Dressing between the whole grain bun of your choice, or if you prefer, sandwiched in savoy cabbage leaves.

Let’s finish the meal with some Fresh Strawberries Topped Off with Whipped Coconut Cream.

Suggested Donation: $10


About Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Laura Pole

Laura, Director of Smith Center’s Nourishment Education Programs, has served as the head retreat chef and nurse consultant since 1997. She is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Integrative Oncology Navigator with over 40 years experience in caring for people with serious illness. She is also a Certified Health Supportive Chef, professional musician and Nia body-mind fitness instructor. Her popular cooking classes are centered on culinary translation: that is, helping  participants translate a diet prescription to a plate of nourishing delicious food. Laura is the founder of “Eating for a Lifetime,” a consulting business dedicated to teaching individuals and professionals about health supportive eating and food preparation. In addition to Laura’s work with nourishment, she is the co-coordinator of Smith Center’s Patient Navigation Training in Integrative Cancer Care. Laura also serves as coordinator of the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Healing in the Kitchen with Laura

Healing in the Kitchen with Laura

Are you ready to get creative with Chef Laura and riff with a twist on a few Thanksgiving favorites? What about all those leftovers that are longing for a transformation between the storage container and your plate?

 

Join us on November 6 for a fun class that’ll give you new menu ideas for your Thanksgiving Day and the day after and the day after that!

 

What might be on the menu? It depends on what leftovers Chef Laura finds. Hint: You’re likely see winter squashes, kale, and cranberries transformed before your very eyes!

Suggested Donation: $10


About Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Laura Pole

Laura, Director of Smith Center’s Nourishment Education Programs, has served as the head retreat chef and nurse consultant since 1997. She is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Integrative Oncology Navigator with over 40 years experience in caring for people with serious illness. She is also a Certified Health Supportive Chef, professional musician and Nia body-mind fitness instructor. Her popular cooking classes are centered on culinary translation: that is, helping  participants translate a diet prescription to a plate of nourishing delicious food. Laura is the founder of “Eating for a Lifetime,” a consulting business dedicated to teaching individuals and professionals about health supportive eating and food preparation. In addition to Laura’s work with nourishment, she is the co-coordinator of Smith Center’s Patient Navigation Training in Integrative Cancer Care. Laura also serves as coordinator of the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Come cool down in Chef Laura’s summer kitchen where you’ll learn to make:

Better than Chicken, Tempeh Salad,

Causa with Un-Tuna Salad, Sweet Potatoes and Avocados,

Quinoa Tabouli, and

Carob-Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

Suggested Donation: $10


About Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Laura, Director of Smith Center’s Nourishment Education Programs, has served as the head retreat chef and nurse consultant since 1997. She is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Integrative Oncology Navigator with over 40 years experience in caring for people with serious illness. She is also a Certified Health Supportive Chef, professional musician and Nia body-mind fitness instructor. Her popular cooking classes are centered on culinary translation: that is, helping  participants translate a diet prescription to a plate of nourishing delicious food. Laura is the founder of “Eating for a Lifetime,” a consulting business dedicated to teaching individuals and professionals about health supportive eating and food preparation. In addition to Laura’s work with nourishment, she is the co-coordinator of Smith Center’s Patient Navigation Training in Integrative Cancer Care. Laura also serves as coordinator of the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Chef Kara Garrett

Join Chef Kara for a fun morning of virtual cooking where she will demonstrate and guide you through making a delicious sweet soup that’s packed full of vitamins. Together we will make a ginger-infused cantaloupe soup with a crunchy quinoa nut topping. The soup highlights the beautiful fruit coming into season and the protein-packed topping also makes an excellent snack or granola substitute.

 

Chef Kara will guide you step-by-step in preparing this simple meal and answer any questions you have on ingredients or cooking techniques. Most importantly, we will join together to enjoy our brunch and discuss our kitchen challenges and successes.

 

This is an interactive class and you are welcome to simply watch for new ideas or to choose which of the items you would like to prepare along with Chef Kara.


Menu Items:

  • Ginger-Spiced Cantaloupe Soup
  • Crunchy Quinoa-Nut Topping

Note: Both recipes are easy to adjust to as many or as few servings as needed. See recipes for quantity adjustments. If you plan to cook-along, please have all ingredients and supplies out and ready to use before joining the class. Contact Chef Kara prior to class for any questions regarding ingredient or equipment substitutions.


Ginger-Spiced Cantaloupe Soup Ingredients:

  • cantaloupe
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger root
  • 1 lemon
  • Fresh basil or mint leaves
  • Plain yogurt (sub coconut milk for vegan)
  • Honey or agave (optional)

Crunchy Quinoa-Nut Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • Unrefined coconut oil (other oils work here but the coconut flavor is delicious here)
  • Maple syrup, honey or agave
  • 1/2 cup nuts (any nut works here – hazelnuts, almonds or brazil nuts are especially tasty)
  • Salt
  • Cardamom pods (optional)

Kitchen Supplies:

  • Blender or food processor
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & measuring spoons
  • Small baking sheet
  • Heavy bottomed pot (such as a cast iron skillet or dutch oven, something that holds heat evenly)

About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. She has adopted a flexible diet plan that focuses on plant-based, sustainable whole foods, but does not restrict indulgences of things she loves. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices that energize the body and the soul.

Kara graduated in August 2017 from the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC and spent one month as the sous chef at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York in Monroe, NY. She is currently enrolled in the Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity graduate program at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Chef Kara Garrett

Chef Kara’s Tofu Scramble

Join Chef Kara for a fun morning of virtual cooking where she will demonstrate and guide you through cooking a plant-based, protein-packed brunch to start your day. We will make a vegan tofu scramble that can be customized to include any of your favorite veggies on hand. We will also prepare a chocolate-almond mug cake that is healthy and easy to prepare – you can even cook it in the microwave if you don’t want to heat up the oven!

Chef Kara will share tips on incorporating more plant-based proteins into your daily meals and answer any questions you have on ingredients or cooking techniques. Most importantly, we will join together to enjoy our brunch and discuss our kitchen challenges and successes.

This is an interactive class and you are welcome to simply watch for new ideas, or to choose which of the items you would like to prepare along with Chef Kara.


Menu Items:

  • Veggie Loaded Tofu Scramble
  • 15-minute Chocolate-Almond Cake

Note: The tofu scramble recipe will prepare 4 servings and the cake will be one serving. Recipes are easy to adapt to any serving size.

Note: Please have all ingredients and supplies out and ready to use before joining the class. Contact Chef Kara prior to class for any questions regarding ingredient or equipment substitutions.


Tofu Scramble Ingredients:

  • 1 block extra firm tofu
  • Onion
  • Garlic cloves
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Turmeric powder
  • Black pepper
  • Nutritional yeast (optional, but adds “eggy” flavor and vitamin B12)
  • Milk of choice
  • 2-3 vegetables of choice (Chef Kara will be using red bell pepper, broccoli, and
  • cherry tomatoes)
  • Optional serving choices: avocado, toast, tortilla, scallions, hot sauce

Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients:

  • Almond Flour (or 1/3 cup almonds or pecans, ground in food processor/blender)
  • Cocoa powder
  • Maple syrup
  • Salt
  • Baking Powder
  • Milk of choice
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Optional garnish: chocolate chips, coconut flakes or chopped nuts

Kitchen supplies:

  • Cutting board and knife
  • Sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • Whisk
  • Ramekin or coffee mug (if using microwave)

About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. She has adopted a flexible diet plan that focuses on plant-based, sustainable whole foods, but does not restrict indulgences of things she loves. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices that energize the body and the soul.

Kara graduated in August 2017 from the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC and spent one month as the sous chef at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York in Monroe, NY. She is currently enrolled in the Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity graduate program at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.