Chesed

A New Cookbook for the Low Glycemic Index Diet

By Michelle March 26, 2014 life, recipes 226 Comments

I am so excited!

My cousin Esther became an author this month when her cookbook Nourish was published.  Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment for any reason; but this feels like an even bigger event.  You see, this cookbook isn’t just any cookbook.  It’s a symbol of success from a medical standpoint.

black bean brownie dessert

Jamie and Esther’s daughter was diagnosed with absence seizures three years ago when she was four years old.  I clearly remember the day Esther called me and told me they’d gotten Andria checked because she literally walked off the porch and fell into the shrubs while playing with her sister.  Her EEG showed she was having hundreds of seizures, most of them only a few seconds long.  A few weeks later when I asked how Andria was doing she said, “I can’t believe the difference in this child!  She can finally answer questions after a story because she’s hearing all of it.”  Unfortunately, the new Andria came with a price.  The seizures would seem to be controlled, only to show up again and her medication dosage needed to be increased and increased until finally she was maxed out on an acceptable dose.  In Esther’s words, “I had a drugged little girl.”

low glycemic index

Concerned, her pediatric neurologist suggested they try a low-glycemic index diet as an alternative form of seizure control.  The low glycemic index diet is a simplified version of the ketogenic diet.  Essentially, it keeps your blood sugar low and stable by decreasing carbohydrate intake and increasing protein and fat.  If you’ve ever experienced a radical diet change for health reasons you know the way it turns your life inside out!  Like it was yesterday, I remember the day I had to take Liam off of gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, coconut and a number of other things.  It’s even harder for a young child who has a limited diet either because they are still too young to chew more than soft foods or in a preschooler with definite food likes and dislikes.  Mostly dislikes. Those first days and weeks are like having your brain turned upside down as you begin to realize the way everything, and I mean everything, seems to revolve around food!  Nearly every social event involves food and a radical change means it is likely you wouldn’t be able to eat or drink a single thing provided!  What’s a birthday party without cake and ice cream?  Where are we going to eat on a road trip?

low glycemic index

Esther and Jamie did some research and after spending a little time thinking, decided to dive in.  The results were amazing!  One year later Andria was completely seizure and medication free!  If you know Esther, it’s no surprise that she did so well with this diet.  She spent hours researching and experimenting.  The result was dozens of yummy recipes that allowed Andria to have many of her favorite treats in a safe way!  Her neurologist noticed and suggested she write a cookbook to help other families dealing with epilepsy and the project began.  Esther asked Christy and I to photograph the food for her book.  We were delighted!

We spent five looong fun days in Tennessee.   We worked almost fifteen hours a day in pursuit of the lovely images the book deserved.  Esther was stirring and baking and cooking on high in her kitchen while we decorated food, arranged props, and clicked away in the garage.  I think we all knew we were working hard at the time {or in Esther’s words: “We were all in Hershberger mode … strong genes going the distance”} , but looking back I am utterly amazed at how much food Esther made in those few days!  I’m also realizing how much faith she put into us every time she walked out to her garage and saw our primitive setup!  I think we tightened those clamps umpteen times. 😉

on-site photography

There were always lots of children around to help or lend a hand and Esther and her sister in law kept our energy high with chips and salsa, tea or coffee!  And of course, we could always sample the food after shooting it!  I can still taste those spiced pecans!

low glycemic index

low glycemic index

I was so amazed at the variety of recipes Esther created.  The selective taste buds of a young child pushed her creativity outside the envelope and there are lovely appetizers, snacks, beverages, and desserts alongside a generous variety of main course items.  The breakfast dishes are something I’m already incorporating into our regular menu plans at our house and they are quickly becoming favorites! I also love the way Esther incorporated her story along with many tips for making the diet easier or more palatable along with the recipes.  The book is not only fun to look at, it’s a pleasure to read!

low glycemic index recipes

While these recipes were tailored for Andria because of her epilepsy, they would also work for anyone watching sugar intake.  My first thoughts turned immediately to a few diabetic friends because of the way the diet does so much more than just eliminate sugar.  It evaluates carbohydrates based on their fiber content and cooking time (among other factors) to help keep blood sugar levels very stable.

sugar free ketchup {this homemade ketchup is so good I could eat it right out of the jar!}

Whether you suffer from epilepsy, diabetes, are trying to lose weight with a diet such as Trim Healthy Mama, or simply want to embrace a healthier, no-sugar diet, this cookbook is sure to delight!

low carb recipes

When I first received my copy, I spent at least an hour perusing its pages even though I’ve seen it’s virtual form a number of times.  My cousin Tiffany did a gorgeous, gorgeous job with the graphic design in this book!

And what’s most exciting about all of this?  As an introduction, Esther is offering to give away one copy of her new cookbook!  One of you will win this lovely gem!  Meanwhile, you can peruse her website or order copies for yourself or a friend!  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment here (facebook comments are lovely but won’t count as an entry for the giveaway).  To get a second entry, share this post on facebook and come back leaving a second comment saying that you shared.  I’ll be using a random number generator to determine the winner so if you want a second entry, be sure to remember to leave a second comment for facebook shares.  The giveaway will close April 2. Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed!  Congrats to B Jane Weaver!  I will be emailing you for your mailing address.  Thanks to everyone who entered!

 

226 thoughts on “A New Cookbook for the Low Glycemic Index Diet”

  7. Sharon Alvarez

    I love cookbooks of any kind, but especially with great photography to go with it. An additional plus would be the benefits of lovely recipes compatible with Trim Healthy Mama. 🙂

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  14. Kim G

    This cookbook produces sso many mixed emotioms. From a gluten allergy , pre diabetic standpoint…to the story behind the cookbook, to the amazing pictures of the food. Congrats to.Esther !

    Reply ↓
  28. Heather Miller

    Oh My! This looks absolutely amazing! (She says as she munches away on her Belgian Truffles!) Now you see how badly Heather needs this book. 🙂 Especially in Poland where there is way too much wonderful bread and chocolate at your doorstep!

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  29. Heather Miller

    Sharing on Facebook. 🙂 If I share it once a day between now and April 2 do I get that many entries? Just kidding of course!

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  30. Amy

    I would dearly love to win this cookbook. I have a MIL who is severely diabetic and one way or the other I’m getting this cookbook for her! 🙂

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  64. Lucy

    It’s a beautiful thing, the healing that can happen in our bodies when we nourish them properly. You did a wonderful job on the photography…it draws me in and makes me desperately want to take a bite of the different foods featured.

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  65. Sherilyn M.

    Oooh I want one too– have been on a journey to better health for the last year and needing all the help I can get. 🙂

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  68. Nola

    I’ve wanted this book ever since I first heard you mention the making of it! I’d love to win and am headed to FB land to share.

    Reply ↓
  77. Starla

    Oh I’d love to have this! I am pre-diabetic and have been eating this way for several months. I lost quite a bit of weight already. But having new inspiration and good food ideas would be delightful!

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  84. Wendy W.

    Wow- what fun working with your sister to produce these lovely pics. I can think of several friends who would really benefit from this book…

    Reply ↓
  91. Amber Martin

    I’ve wanted this ever since i heard it was coming!! I will be making a splurge at some point if I don’t win it 🙂

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  115. Rachel Helmuth

    goodness Michelle, what a great job you and Christy did on the photography…. tastefully done. i’d love to sit down with this book in my hand.

    Reply ↓
  132. Nancy

    This has been on my wish list since I heard about it a few months ago. Would love to win it 🙂 Y’all did a fantastic job with the photography.

    Reply ↓
  146. Cindi Troyer

    I would LOVE this cookbook! I have been doing the Trim Healthy Mama diet since August and been very happy with the weight loss and improvement in health. It is so neat to see others who have experimented with a low glycemic diet and are willing to share what they have learned for us newbies.

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  148. Gina

    I’ve been looking forward to seeing this cookbook ever since you talked of shooting it last summer. And just recently my friend’s daughter began having seizures. I’d love to share this with her.
    Gina

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  153. Marita

    I would love to win this cookbook. I understand having ones “world changed up-side-down” when you have to go on a diet for optimal health; been there done that. And I am always on hunt for new recipes.

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  160. Cindy

    your pictures are just fabulous. can’t wait to check this book out! my mom has cooked this way for years.
    i am thrilled for esther and her daughter, what an amazing story of determination and hard work… as well as hearing HIS voice in such a venture for hope and recovery. thankyouJesus.

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  164. Stephanie Leinbach

    Two weeks ago, our four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. The meds have changed our sweet girlie into a stranger. Our lives having just been upended, I’m not about to upend my kitchen tomorrow, but maybe…well, it’s too soon to say. I feel like I’m groping around in the dark. Andria’s story would mean as much to me as the recipes.

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  165. Susan

    [Wildly raising hand] I’d LOVE this cookbook! Not only do I want it for my low carb lifestyle (needed for blood sugar control) but I have a friend with a daughter whose seizures are controlled with a ketogenic diet. I’d gladly give her a copy. Thanks for hosting this giveaway, and for such a glowing review of the book.

    Reply ↓
  171. Brenda

    Would I love to have a cookbook like this or what? I also get gestational diabetes n fear diabetes in my future as well. Beautiful photos!!

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  174. Aimee Hottle

    Always looking for healthier alternatives that are not only palatable, but a pleasure to the taste buds! Would love to cook out of this one!

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  194. Mary Lynn Yoder

    I’ve struggled with low blood sugar since I was 16, and while I’ve changed my eating habits and cleared up many health issues, I still have that Pennsylvania Dutch blood that craves sweets. I’m on a quest to fill a three-ring binder with low-carb, healthy-sugar recipes that satisfy the cravings and am so excited about the Nourish cookbook!

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  201. Clarita

    The cookbook sounds amazing, and knowing the quality of photography from you and Christy, I can only imagine how wonderful it all is! Pictures sell me every time, and if I don’t win, I want to order a copy for myself. 😉

    Reply ↓
  205. Donna Mullet

    this looks so interesting . what amazing dedication. My family history is full of seizures. I feel compelled to check this out.

    Reply ↓
  219. Joanna Yoder

    This cookbook looks like it would be just what I need ! I do follow the THM so I think this could be helpful .
    I’m not sure if I successfully shared it on fb or not.

    Reply ↓
  220. deepeight

    The photos are so beautiful! Just wanted to tell you that I spent a long time paging through the book, stroking the lovely pictures and deciding which recipes I have to try. Kudos to you and your sister for a stellar job!

    Reply ↓

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