Jamie and Esther’s daughter was diagnosed with absence seizures three years ago when she was four years old. \u00a0I 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. \u00a0Her EEG showed she was having hundreds of seizures, most of them only a few seconds long. \u00a0A few weeks later when I asked how Andria was doing she said, “I can’t believe the difference in this child! \u00a0She can finally answer questions after a story because she’s hearing all of it.” \u00a0Unfortunately, the new Andria came with a price. \u00a0The 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. \u00a0In Esther’s words, “I had a drugged little girl.”<\/p>\n Concerned, her pediatric neurologist suggested they try a low-glycemic index diet as an alternative form of seizure control. \u00a0The low glycemic index diet<\/strong> is a simplified version of the ketogenic diet. \u00a0Essentially, it keeps your blood sugar low and stable by decreasing carbohydrate intake and increasing protein and fat. \u00a0If you’ve ever experienced a radical diet change for health reasons you know<\/em> the way it turns your life inside out! \u00a0Like 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. \u00a0It’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. \u00a0Mostly 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! \u00a0Nearly 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! \u00a0What’s a birthday party without cake and ice cream? \u00a0Where are we going to eat on a road trip?<\/p>\n Esther and Jamie did some research and after spending a little time thinking, decided to dive in. \u00a0The results were amazing! \u00a0One year later Andria was completely seizure and<\/em><\/strong> medication free! \u00a0If you know Esther, it’s no surprise that she did so well with this diet. \u00a0She spent hours researching and experimenting. \u00a0The result was dozens of yummy recipes that allowed Andria to have many of her favorite treats in a safe way! \u00a0Her neurologist noticed and suggested she write a cookbook to help other families dealing with epilepsy and the project began. \u00a0Esther asked Christy and I to photograph the food for her book. \u00a0We were delighted!<\/p>\n We spent five looong fun<\/em> days in Tennessee. \u00a0 We worked almost fifteen hours a day in pursuit of the lovely images the book deserved. \u00a0Esther was stirring and baking and cooking on high in her kitchen while we decorated food, arranged props, and clicked away in the garage. \u00a0I 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! \u00a0I’m also realizing how much faith she put into us every time she walked out to her garage and saw our primitive setup! \u00a0I think we tightened those clamps umpteen times. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n 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! \u00a0And of course, we could always sample the food after shooting it! \u00a0I can still taste those spiced pecans!<\/p>\n I was so amazed at the variety of recipes Esther created. \u00a0The 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. \u00a0The 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. \u00a0The book is not only fun to look at, it’s a pleasure to read!<\/p>\n While these recipes were tailored for Andria because of her epilepsy, they would also work for anyone watching sugar intake. \u00a0My first thoughts turned immediately to a few diabetic friends because of the way the diet does so much more than just eliminate sugar. \u00a0It evaluates carbohydrates based on their fiber content and cooking time (among other factors) to help keep blood sugar levels very stable.<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n 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. \u00a0My cousin Tiffany<\/a> did a gorgeous, gorgeous job with the graphic design in this book!<\/p>\n![\"black](\"http:\/\/www.michellebeachy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Cookbook-265-of-333-1024x682.jpg\")
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<\/a>\u00a0{this homemade ketchup is so good I could eat it right out of the jar!}<\/p>\n![\"low](\"http:\/\/www.michellebeachy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/NourishCookbook.jpg\")
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