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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Give Me a Solid: Rediscovering Food and Joy When Chewing or Swallowing Proves Difficult by Joanne Brouard outlines her experience living with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), detailing how she adapted her lifestyle and diet to manage dysphagia. She discusses strategies like posture adjustments, vocal cord vibration techniques, and mindful routines to improve swallowing and reduce throat discomfort. Brouard emphasizes nutrition through texture-modified meals and introduces tools like immersion blenders and conical strainers. Her cookbook features a wide range of recipes—soups, main dishes, sides, desserts, and beverages—specifically designed for ease of chewing and swallowing. Ingredients are selected for nutritional value and smooth texture, with guidance on freezing and reheating. Meals include puréed soups, soft proteins, flans, mousse, and nutrient-dense smoothies. Brouard’s work is a practical guide for individuals with swallowing difficulties, focusing on accessible preparation methods, nutrition, and consistency in managing a progressive condition.
Give Me a Solid: Rediscovering Food and Joy When Chewing or Swallowing Proves Difficult by Joanne Brouard is a thoughtful and well-constructed book that balances practical guidance with heartfelt writing. Brouard’s anecdotes and recipes are comfortably presented and accessible, offering clear explanations without a lot of medical jargon. Her cookbook section stands out for its variety, with recipes that range in flavor, and all of which are totally appealing. The inclusion of preparation and storage techniques shows careful consideration of readers’ day-to-day needs beyond just cooking. Brouard’s attention to texture, nutrition, and ease of preparation results in meals that are manageable and satisfying. The book’s structure allows readers to move easily between personal experience and practical advice. For me, the most incredibly unique aspect of this book is the absolutely gorgeous original artwork that Brouard includes, which is her own ink-on-paper creations. This is a useful resource for those seeking manageable ways to maintain enjoyment in eating while accommodating swallowing or chewing limitations.
