Norton Shores woman publishes ‘Pea Soup’ recipe book

Beth Spencer always has been obsessed with food. Spencer, a Norton Shores resident, has taken that obsession and turned it into a recipe book called "Pea Soup: Recipes for Body Mind and Spirit from a Kitchen Table Gourmet.' It is filled with recipes for a "normal' diet, she said. But Spencer's life wasn't always normal. She was a dancer in her earlier years and was obsessed with dieting. Her quest to stay thin resulted in an eating disorder.

Len Painter

May 18, 2011

Spencer, now 52, said she was able to overcome her disorder with the help of a doctor, but she still dieted off and on for more than 35 years.

In the fall of 2009, Spencer said she was inspired by the work of nutritionist and author Ellyn Satter, who wrote “The Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family.” Spencer then stepped off her diet roller-coaster and made a pact to never diet again. Spencer began cooking and eating the foods that she loved.

Her foray into writing began in 2008 when she launched an online blog on a variety of topics — including family, health, fitness, food and current events.

A little more than a year ago, Spencer began compiling recipes from her family, friends and herself. Her book includes about 100 recipes.

The book is available at The Bookman in Grand Haven.

For more information, visit her website, www.bethsblog.typepad.com; or e-mail her at bethellen52@msn.com.