Serves: 5

Acupuncture-
The insertion of needles into specific points on the body to help the body heal.

Alternative therapies-
Treatment options that include thoughts and emotions as an integral part of healing. These may be used in combination with conventional forms of treatment.

Antioxidant-
A substance that inhibits oxidation in plant and animal cells. Scientists believe that having a diet high in antioxidants may contribute to reducing disease.

Aromatherapy-
The use of essential oils to increase relaxation, improve mood, and enhance circulation.

Ayurveda-
An ancient medical practice that originated in India, based on the concept that energy keeps the mind and body alive. Body Mass Index (BMI)-A measure used to compare the height and weight of adult men and women to their risk of disease.

Bodywork-
A catchall term for a variety of techniques that treat ailments and promote relaxation through proper movement, posture, exercise or massage.

Calcium-
A mineral found in dairy foods that is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth and proper nerve and muscle function. Calcium aids recovery.

Cancer-
The abnormal growth of any cells in the body.

Carbohydrates-
Providing quick energy, they are the body's favorite fuel source. The carbohydrate content of each recipe in this book is listed under the recipe.

Chemotherapy-
Systemic drugs that target and kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.

Chi-
The flow of energy based on the belief that energy flows between body organs along channels. Healing occurs when the flow of energy in the entire body is balanced.

Cholesterol-
Fatlike substance, found primarily in animal foods, that is important for cell structures, hormones and nerve coverings. It is also manufactured in our bodies.

Complementary therapies-
See "Alternative therapies."

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)-
A buildup of fatty, cholesterol-filled deposits in the arteries that block the normal flow of blood and can ultimately cause a heart attack.

Cruciferous-
Vegetables from the cabbage family, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, which are thought to be somewhat protective against certain types of cancer when eaten as part of a low-fat, healthy diet.

Diet Exchanges-
Developed by the American Dietetic Association and
the American Diabetes Association, Diet Exchanges categorize foods based on their nutritional content.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans-
Developed in May 2000 by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, these guidelines help educate people about how to develop a healthy lifestyle.

Fat-
A necessary nutrient, fat helps build new cells, shuttles vitamins through the body and makes certain hormones that regulate blood pressure.

Fiber-
The type of carbohydrate in a food that is not broken down before passing through to the stool.

Food Guide Pyramid-
A nutrition education guide developed to help people learn how to eat a healthy balance of a variety of foods.

Herbs-
Specific plants or parts of plants that impart flavor and have medicine-like qualities.

High blood pressure (hypertension)-
A condition that occurs when blood pressure is equal to or greater than 140/90 millimeters of mercury.

Iron-
A mineral that carries much-needed oxygen to body cells, is vital for life and aids recovery. Iron is found in meats, spinach and fortified cereal.

Liquid diet-
A clear liquid diet is mainly comprised of liquids and provides only about 500 calories per day. It should be used for only short lengths of time.

Low-residue diet-
A diet made up of foods that, when eaten, leave little material in the colon after digestion. Cancer patients who have had stomach or colon surgery may need to eat a low-residue diet.

Magnesium-
A nutrient (mineral) that helps release carbohydrate energy from foods and aids recovery. Magnesium is found in nuts and spinach.

Massage-
The manipulation of soft tissue to relieve sore muscles and promote relaxation.

Meditation-
Quiet forms of contemplation and mindfulness used to establish a sense of peace, inner calm and relaxation.

Minerals-
Organic compounds, needed in very small amounts, that help the body with many functions. Minerals beneficial to cancer treatment are calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.

Naturopathy-
With an emphasis on preventive care, it takes advantage of the body's natural healing powers.

Neuropathy-
Tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes that can develop in cancer patients when undergoing chemotherapy.

Neutropenia-
A condition that occurs when white blood cell counts fall below 500 cells per cubic millimeter of blood often occurs seven to ten days after beginning chemotherapy treatment.

Nutrient-
Catchall term that describes substances necessary for life that build, repair and maintain body cells. Protein, carbohydrates, fats, water, vitamins and minerals are all examples of nutrients.

% Daily Value-
A standard for nutrition labeling of foods that is based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet. It applies to healthy people of various ages and represents the highest recommended level of each nutrient. It replaces the former U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).

Potassium-
A nutrient (mineral) that helps maintain the body's fluid balance and aids recovery. Potassium is found in fruits, vegetables and dairy foods.

Phytochemicals-
Umbrella term used to describe many naturally occurring substances found in plant foods that may have disease-fighting properties.

Protein-
This nutrient helps build new cells, makes hormones and enzymes that keep the body functioning and generates antibodies to fight off infection. During cancer treatment, the body has an increased need for protein.

Radiation (radiotherapy)-
The use of concentrated energy to target and kill cancer cells.

Residue-
The material left in the colon after digestion, including intestinal cells and breakdown products such as fiber from the foods you eat.

Saturated fat-
Solid at room temperature, these fats tend to elevate blood cholesterol levels and usually come from animal sources, such as beef, pork, poultry, eggs and dairy foods including cheese, whole milk and butter. Also included are palm oil and coconut oil, even though they are liquids.

Shiatsu-
A form of Japanese acupressure that uses finger pressure on specific body sites to increase circulation and improve energy flow.

Unsaturated fat-
Liquid at room temperature, these fats do not tend to elevate blood cholesterol levels. They usually come from plant sources such as olive oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, nuts and avocados.

Vitamins-
A group of vital nutrients, found in small amounts in a variety of foods, that are key to developing cells, controlling body functions and helping release energy from fuel sources. Vitamins are different from minerals in that they contain the element carbon minerals do not.

Yoga-
An ancient practice and philosophy first developed and practiced in India, yoga is based on stretching and strengthening exercises, ethical beliefs and dietary restrictions to balance the mind, body and spirit.

From "Betty Crocker's Living with Cancer Cookbook." Text Copyright 2005 General Mills, Inc. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.