Serves: 5

In the spirit of bringing back the joy of eating, when survivors created surroundings that were pleasant, they felt better and were able to eat more. Even little things can make a big difference.

1. Dust off the good china. Create a festive meal by setting the table with the nicest dishes you have-china or not! Use colorful pieces of dinnerware or festive disposable plates, even if they are mismatched (an eclectic mix can be fun). Try drinking your favorite warm or cold beverage from a favorite glass or mug.

2. Embrace something new. For fun, one family has a picnic in the middle of winter. They spread out a blanket on the floor and serve picnic foods like sandwiches and salads. Others create a backward dinner where dessert is served first or have a weekly pizza or pasta night.

3. Improve the mood. Light candles, use a small centerpiece, bring in unscented flowers, or unfold a colorful napkin in the middle of the table. Anything that cheers you and makes you feel better is worth a bit of extra effort.

4. Bring the outside inside. Open the window to breathe in the fresh air and gaze outside. If you do not have easy access to a window, place a picture of an outdoor scene nearby. Studies have shown that viewing an outdoor scene helps calm us and reminds us that we're part of a world that is magnificent.

5. Celebrate the small stuff. When you reach a treatment milestone or accomplish a small task, celebrate! Serve wine, sparkling water, juice or a nonalcoholic cocktail with the meal to put everyone in a festive mood. Serve a cake decorated to highlight your accomplishment.

6. Enjoy each other's company. "Surround yourself with your loved ones." Take time to share with each other. If you live alone, invite a friend or family over or ask to dine at their house. If it's too much trouble to provide a meal, ask your guests to pick up a takeout meal on the way over.

7. Listen to music. Music touches your emotions. And listening to certain types of music can help you to relax and feel more like eating. Choose classical, jazz, contemporary or whatever music helps to improve the mood and soothe.

8. Walk on the wild side. Venture outdoors, even if it's just to pick up the newspaper or to walk the dog. Take a short walk when you feel up to it. Visit a nearby pond, lake or river. Nature has a wonderful way of renewing and calming us. If a walk is too much, try simply sitting outside.

Realize, too, that there may be some days when you're not up to doing any of these suggestions. One solution is to ask others to help you with these things or to do them for you. Even small efforts can be helpful. And right now, you may need all the extra encouragement you can get to relax and nourish yourself.

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.

More Recipes from the Betty Crocker's Living With Cancer Cookbook Cookbook:
Acorn Squash and Apple Soup
Beef Fajita Bowls
Beef and Bean Dinner
Beef-Barley Stew
Breaded Pork Chops
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Dinner
Cheesy Vegetable Soup
Chicken and Green Beans with Rice
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Creamy Corn and Garlic Risotto
Crispy Baked Fish with Tropical Fruit Salsa
Fresh Spinach and New Potato Frittata
Hash Brown Frittata
Layered Tuna Casserole
Lemony Fish over Vegetables and Rice
Old-Fashioned Beef Pot Roast
Potato and Tomato Pizza
Ravioli with Tomato-Alfredo Sauce
SET THE TABLE, AND SMELL THE FLOWERS
Salmon Burgers
Spaghetti and "Meatballs"
Turkey Club Squares
Turkey Tetrazzini
Zesty Autumn Pork Stew