Cow Head woman writes cookbook

During her career in banking, Jessica Mitton loved helping people get a handle on one of the most crucial aspects of their lives.

When the Cow Head native’s health became an Mitton issue, it quickly became apparent what topped her own priority list, and it wasn’t her or anyone else’s finances.

A series of digestive issues, which in turn led to stress and anxiety about what was wrong, eventually resulted in the removal of a massive uterine fibroid tumour — and her uterus along with it.

Before long, she was hell-bent on making some sweeping life changes, including a change in eating habits and a new career focus. What started out as a quest to find a way to eat better led Mitton to pursue certification as a holistic nutritional consultant and a culinary nutrition expert.

The key, she said, is finding what foods are best for each person.

“Once you find something that works, or the right foods for your body, and you notice a huge shift, you feel 100 per cent better and you want to do more of it,” she said.

For some people, that may simply mean drinking more water, she noted. For others, it might include cutting gluten or dairy products from their diet.

Sugar, which is found in more products that most people realize, is another culprit that causes people health problems when consumed in excessive quantities.

Since turning her life around, Mitton has developed a program aimed at helping others find out how they can treat their bodies better with the food they eat. Besides her website and blog, she has been featured in a number of publications focused on health and nutrition, and has been a guest presenter and demonstrator at nutrition events.

She is now preparing for the release of her own cookbook. Titled “Some Good Cookbook” and to be published by Breakwater Books in June, the cookbook will feature recipes for traditional Newfoundland and Labrador dishes prepared in a healthier fashion.

For instance, there is her favorite, a dairy-free creamy chowder, as well as a healthy battered codfish recipe.

“They are all made using healthy ingredients prepared in a way that doesn’t cause many issues in the body,” she said.