Today, more than one in 130 people suffer from celiac disease.
Those affected must rely on a gluten-free diet, add in those who are diabetic, suffer from food allergies or sensitivities and the numbers increase dramatically.
Local author B.A. Smit is one of those people.
Frustrated by the lack of basic information, she began researching and compiling all the basic information to put into one complete book. She wanted to make it easier for people to understand and adjust to their restricted diet.
After more than a decade, Smit's books have evolved into the one "big" book and a series of "little" books that are helping many to create a New Kind of Normal lifestyle.
The "big" book, A New Kind of Normal Back to the Basics is a comprehensive guide that includes basic information on products, baking tips, descriptions of foods, a two-week meal plan and recipes that can be adapted to your specific restrictions.
Published by Trafford's a year ago, the book has been given a four out of five star rating, approved by several nutritionists and recently was given a great review by the Gluten Intolerance Group in their magazine.
Besides the "big" book that focuses on a lot of information with a few recipes, Smit began writing the series of "little" books that have a little information with a lot of recipes.
The first in the series, A New Kind of Normal for Everyday and Holiday Entertaining has recipes for appetizers, a complete turkey dinner plus squares and other treats for entertaining plus a few breakfast and lunch recipes.
The second book of the series has just been published, A New Kind of Normal Five Cup Blend Recipes, Oldtime Favorites Become Newtime Favorites. This book focuses on a mix used in baking.
All three books are available at The Laughing Oyster Bookstore in Courtenay. The big book is also available as a softcover or ebook on line through Trafford Publishing, Amazon.ca or Cole's Bookstore. Save on Foods in Campbell River and Victoria also have the big book available in their stores.
— Bev Smit