Director of Smith Center’s Nourishment Education Programs | Integrative Oncology Nurse Navigator and Nutrition Program Facilitator ,
Cooking & Nutrition Classes
Eating well is one of the most fundamental and accessible ways of promoting good health and living well through cancer treatment and beyond. Our classes offer live instruction, simple and delicious whole foods recipes, and research-based nutrition information from trained nutritional counselors and chefs.
In planning our classes, we keep eight basic food principles in mind: Whole, Fresh, Natural, Local, Seasonal, Balanced, In Harmony with Tradition, and Delicious.
From these principles, we explore an array of cooking options from simple, one-pot meals to vegetarian menus, ayurvedic foods, and beyond. Classes are open to anyone interested in learning about whole foods cooking.
Cancer & Nutrition
The science of what we know about food and cancer is still evolving, yet there are areas where the data is consistent. We know that some cancers are related to nutrition and some diets create conditions that increase our risk of getting cancer. In addition, some foods we eat make it harder for us to withstand cancer treatment and its side effects while some diets can help us recover from cancer.
People have many questions about nutrition and cancer, like “I have breast cancer—can I eat soy?” People want to know about the kinds of oils they should use in cooking. Some want to know about ideas for simple and easy meals or choosing healthy already-prepared foods. Some people want to know about how to prepare whole grains and beans.
Eating well is important, yet people are often confused about what they should eat and how to prepare healthful foods. Classes are designed to address the questions and needs of people living with cancer while providing exceptionally delicious and healthful recipes based on the eight basic food principles.
Note: Source Laura Pole/A Taste of Smith Farm
Ina®, The Intelligent Nutrition Assistant
Ina®’s personalized clinically and contextually appropriate nutrition and symptom management interventions 24/7 “on demand” via SMS text help cancer patients stay on treatment, prevent and manage side effects, and feel strong throughout the cancer journey.
Personalized Nutrition Guidance 24/7 at Your Fingertips “On Demand”
Whenever you’d like answers to your nutrition questions or on how to prevent or manage symptoms, text Ina® from your cell phone and she’ll respond with personalized nutrition tips, recipes and answers to your questions—no phone calls or appointments necessary.
Access to the Knowledge of Oncology Credentialed Medical Experts
All of Ina®’s knowledge and advice is based on scientific evidence and the training of oncology credentialed registered dietitians, nurses and doctors who are experts in the needs of cancer patients.
Safe, Secure and Free
Free, unlimited access 24/7 “on demand” in a solution that is secure and ensures data privacy
Culinary Translation in Action
Students at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, are donning their new, crisp white uniforms and learning how to treat hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease using nontraditional tools of the trade: spatulas, knives, and saucepans.
About Our Director of Nourishment Programs
Laura Pole, RN, MSN, and Chef, has served as Smith Center’s head chef and nurse consultant since 1997. She is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Cancer Guide with 25 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 class, Eating for a Lifetime: Cooking for People with Cancer, introduces participants to the Eight Principles of Food Selection, along with truly tasty and healthy recipes. 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.
