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At the heart of GULP is the Mind Food Body System - the practical framework designed to help individuals eat safely and live socially after head and neck cancer. But behind the system lies a deeper philosophy: the Commensality Comeback. This model represents the emotional and social restoration that occurs when eating becomes more than nutrition-it becomes connection. GULP brings them together, offering both the strategy and the soul to navigate life after radiated dysphagia.

* GULP = the full package

* Mind Food Body = the “how” (system/process)

* Commensality Comeback = the “why” (philosophy/purpose)

I developed the Mind Food Body System based on my own experience recovering from head and neck cancer and learning to eat again after a PEG tube. During that time, I noticed significant gaps- especially in how information was shared between patients, carers, and the clinical team. This system was created to close those gaps with a practical, structured approach that supports safer eating and better communication.

The Commensality Comeback isn’t a concept I invented-it’s the bigger picture. It reflects the return to shared meals and social eating after medical treatment. GULP supports that comeback by combining the system with easy-to-use tools.

Here’s how it all fits together:

* Philosophy – The Commensality ComebackA shift toward restoring shared meals and connection after treatment

* System – The Mind Food Body SystemA practical framework to guide patients and clinicians through the return to oral eating

* Tools – GULPA set of resources (book, app, and toolkit) to support learning, planning, and implementation

GULP. Is my story, my challenges and how I went about creating my best food life and new life having had a PEG tube for 15 months. It is intended as a story but an educational story, built with layers of experience in food, cooking, hiking, strategy and an unwavering belief in oneself.

It’s all designed and created to ensure that you..

Eat Well.

If cancer gave me anything it was a hot cup of tea and a good talking to.

I wanted to read stories from people who had a clue.

I wanted to get some sort of idea about what it was I was going through and what others had experienced.

I didn’t want to get unsolicited advice from a thousand people on social media about the dodgy looking ulcer on their tongue.

Not helpful, non of it.

…and so GAG.| eating life was born.

This is a documented life journal told in story format of my setbacks and comebacks after surviving head and neck cancer.

Now I am a writer and international hiker.

A story teller and still, after everything a foodie at heart.

May it provide the inspiration and clarity you need.

Eat Well.

Wow survivorship. The second battle - I didn’t see it coming.

There are people who actually do their PhD’s in this so I’ll leave the details to them.

I guess the nuance of what I write is now based on “survivorship” and as I have documented my journey from day 1 - it’s becomes a useful resource, for not only me but those that unfortunately are coming up the rear of which there are many.

This next stage is where I need your help. Your thoughts, comments and ideas publicly written if possible, that way it doesn’t just become because “I said”.

You know what I mean, so if you can make a comment here on Substack, Linkedin, social media or even just send me an email - and being comfortable with me using your words in the public arena is all super helpful.

Please share this publication - it helps get the message out there …

Becoming a paid subscriber also super helpful. 😉

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Eat Well.