Just signed the contract with Skyhorse Publishing Company last week and am really excited about this new book I’m authoring. The fabulous and supportive Ann Treistman (Senior Editor at Skyhorse) is in direct contact by email, replying within a day to my queries and requests. I feel as though I’ve worked with her before…

The book is an introduction to raising farm animals for the purpose of growing your own food – of which I have a serious passion. The best part is the perspective from which I’ll write. You see I’ve lived on both sides of the farm gate, both sides of the barnyard fence. (more…)

…that touched me and healed me, and which I don’t want to forget when I give the book back…

pg. 168

“Only you, in the entire universe, believe that somehow you are to blame. Missy doesn’t believe that, nor Nan, nor Papa. Perhaps it’s time to let that go – that lie. And Mackenzie, even if you had been to blame, her love is much stronger than your fault could ever be.” (more…)

Some people have never heard of the Glycemic Index and how food is ‘weighted’ and why the process is even necessary.

Even more people have heard of GI, but don’t know much about it, and their lives are just too busy already to learn something new about the way food affects the human body.

This post is a primer of sorts, an introduction to the Glycemic Index, an explanation of why this is important for overall health, and where to get more information on the subject of Low GI eating.

Keep in mind that this is a far more advanced concept of understanding food’s effect on your body than simple calorie counting. Although the caloric value of a food is somewhat important for health and well-being, far too many people place far too much emphasis on calories when watching their weight – one of the major reasons that diets don’t work! (more…)

I would never recommend that you eat pie to lose weight, but this low GI recipe will allow you to have a slice of pie without the guilt, on a special occassion. It will also allow you to bake a pie for your family without feeling as though you are contributing to their obesity and sugar reliance/insulin resistance.

Low GI Pie Crust (more…)

One of the largest obstacles to losing weight is re-learning how to cook. Having been on my own since I was 15 and having spent years working in the restaurant industry, I find myself in a position where I can cook a great meal for many people, effortlessly.

That’s not a proud boast! Lately I’ve been cooking for my family and dinner guests with an attitude of change. Change in intake that is.

As we’ve aged, we’re all growing spare tires, sporting muffin tops (that round of fat that bulges over the top of your jeans), and discovering love handles. Apart from the cosmetic disgust this type of fat on our bodies is the worst medically. (more…)

I found this recipe and decided to give it a try. After some simple modifications I ended up with a tasty patty that compliments a hearty soup or that could be made smaller and used as an edible plate for salsa or hummus dip.

Here’s what’s really important…my 14 year old daughter with a discerning palate could not tell me what was in the patties, and did not want to know. She enjoyed them and didn’t want to enjoy them less by knowing the ingredients (since she was certain it was something too healthy to be enjoyable).

They are, in fact, both healthy and enjoyable.

The recipe below makes 14 3″ patties. (more…)

I’ve been experimenting with various mash-ups and Web 2.0 properties this last month and discovered a site called Dandelife.

This post is a test to ensure that Dandelife is picking up and publishing new stories published on laurajchilds.com

More later, Laura