Saturday 20 December 2014

Seasons Greetings !





Yes i'm still here ! :D
Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year to  all !
I'm taking a few weeks off from my blog be back in new year.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Medieval Tastes




In his new, must-read history of food, acclaimed historian Massimo Montanari traces the development of medieval tastes--both culinary and cultural--from raw materials to market and their reflections in today's food trends. He immerses readers in the passionate debates and bold inventions that transformed food from a simple staple to a potent factor in health and symbol of social and ideological standing, tying the ingredients of its fascinating evolution to the growth of human civilization.
Montanari returns to the prestigious Salerno school of medicine, the "mother of all medical schools," to plot the theory of food that took shape in the twelfth century. He reviews the influence of the Near Eastern spice routes, which introduced new flavors and cooking techniques to European kitchens, and reads Europe's earliest cookbooks, which took cues from old Roman practices valuing artifice and mixed flavors. Dishes were largely low-fat, and meats and fish were seasoned with vinegar, citrus juices, and wine. Other dishes, habits, and battles that mirror contemporary culinary identity involve the refinement of pasta, polenta, bread, and other flour-based preparations; the transition to more advanced cooking tools and formal dining implements; the controversy over cooking with oil, lard, or butter; dietary regimens; and the consumption and cultural meaning of water and wine. As people became more cognizant of their physicality, individuality, and philosophical place in the cosmos, Montanari shows, they adopted a new attitude toward food as well, investing as much in its pleasure and possibilities as in its basic acquisition.

Monday 8 December 2014

What to Feed an Asperger







Packed full of tips and tricks to improve the diet of super sensitive Asperger kids, this book is a must read for parents who want to help their children overcome food avoidance and sensory sensitivities. 

Sarah Patten shows other parents that they are far from alone in their struggle to get their children to eat a varied and well-balanced diet. She describes how, through a combination of love, patience and a little sleight of hand, she managed to get her son to go from eating just three bland white foods to eating a colourful and nutritious diet including fruit and vegetables. Providing recipes for many simple, healthy meals given the Asperger seal of approval, as well as advice for making mealtime routines, eating together as a family and eating out as stress-free as possible, the book provides a wealth of ideas and strategies for moving towards a more varied and nutritious diet. It also includes food diaries and charts to make planning meals and tracking progress simple.

The Essential Manual for Asperger Syndrome (ASD) in the Classroom




Perfect for time-poor teachers, Kathy Hoopmann's essential handbook is an easy-to-navigate resource that promotes a positive learning environment in which students with Asperger syndrome (ASD) can thrive. 

Kathy's unique ability to explain the ASD mind-set shines through as her concise descriptions reveal how to recognise and develop the child's strengths to the fullest potential whilst guiding and mentoring through areas of difficulties. 

Full of effective and innovative strategies, the book covers areas such as meltdowns, forming friendships, literal thinking and speaking, and the overwhelming influence of sensory sensitivities. Activities to help explain the child's behaviour to other students are also included which fosters understanding and acceptance. A 'Home Link' section adds vital information about how to work with parents and other caregivers to create safe, loving and fun environments for the child at home and at school.

With illustrations throughout, this book will be of immeasurable value to anyone who is working in a classroom setting with children with ASD.

Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum




Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for treating mental health problems such as anxiety and depression in individuals both with and without autism spectrum disorders. This book bridges the gap between research and practice and shows adults on the spectrum practical ways to manage their emotions.

Many adults on the autism spectrum experience isolation, interpersonal difficulties, anxiety, depressed mood, and coping problems. By applying theory and concepts from autism research, this book will help adults on the spectrum to understand their challenges. The author takes the best of CBT self-help strategies, to encourage self-analysis, and to help adults on the spectrum make better decisions in activities such as employment or relationships.

This is an essential self-help guide for adults on the spectrum looking for ways to cope with emotional challenges, and will also be a useful resource for clinicians, psychologists, therapists, and counselors working with them.