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Food sensitivities are on the rise with issues ranging from life threatening allergies to possible links to behavioral problems. So, too, is the incidence of Type 1 Diabetes (insulin dependent), and not just for children. Taken together, these represent special needs when it comes to food.
For the Type 1 Diabetic, knowledge about the food consumed, especially the carbohydrate amount in a serving is critical to properly dosing insulin and maintaining safe blood glucose levels. For those faced with food sensitivities, knowledge about the ingredients (often not obvious) is critical to avoid negative and sometimes very serious reactions.
George's Cookbook is a resource, and growing community, to help individuals and families dealing with these types of dietary and lifestyle special needs.
We began as a family impacted by Type 1 Diabetes. For more details, see “George's Story.” Then, following the development of the first book and the initial writing for a second, we learned that in our extended family, food sensitivities were a serious issue, especially gluten-sensitivity.
As we researched the food sensitivity issues in order to develop some recipes for camping (our second book) with a focus on gluten-free food, we learned that there is actually a connection between Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease, the most severe gluten sensitivity. So, in our second book, George's Cookbook: Camping, we combined the food sensitivity with the Type 1 information.
Of course we realize that there are many more special needs and we hope that George's Cookbook will provide a community and growing resource for all dietary special needs. Over time, we will add features to the site that promote community and participation by anyone needing to accommodate these special needs.
So, please join us and help develop our community and resources. Perhaps, working together, we can change the way our culture deals with special needs – making it easier to accommodate them and to more easily integrate those faced with these needs into everyday life.
Disclaimer
It is important to note that we are not trained chefs, though we enjoy cooking and sharing our creations with others. And, we are not health professionals, so we will not be able to assist in diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your own health professionals.
August 2011
Eric E Smith and George E Smith