As someone who has struggled with chronic Lyme disease for years, Sunapee resident, Laura Piazza knows how the illness can affect cognition. When she and her mom set out to publish their book, Recipes for Repair, aimed at helping those battling Lyme and chronic inflammation, her expertise as a graphic designer told Laura it had to be clean and clear, with simple icons and color coding to make the book easy as possible to follow.

Her keen aesthetic and attention to detail were rewarded June 1 at the 29^th New Hampshire Creative Club Exhibition. The showcase for creative professionals selected the newly published second edition as their “Best of Show” from across nine categories of entries such as physical designs, illustrations, and videos from all around New England.

“It really was not something I was expecting,” said Laura. “I was hoping I might do well in my category, but certainly was not anticipating Best of Show.” The honor marked the first time in the event’s 29-year history that a book was chosen for the prestigious award.

“To be recognized for the book’s design was especially gratifying, because I really took our audience’s mindset and health challenges into account when writing, photographing and designing it,” added Laura.

“Recipes for Repair” is a 10-week, four-phase plan with recipes created by Piazza and her mom, Gail, a noted food stylist and recipe developer for the likes of Emeril Lagasse, Farberware and All-Clad, and who has made appearances on Food Network.

The first 10,000 copies sold out, prompting the second edition in which the Piazzas added 52 new recipes, revised over two dozen, and included updates from Kenneth B. Singleton, MD, MPH, and author of the book “The Lyme Disease Solution,” which inspired the Piazzas in the first place.

Beautiful photographs styled by Gail and taken by Laura accompany the book’s 182 recipes. Of those 161 are dairy-free, 155 vegetarian, 136 egg-free, 111 Paleo-compliant, and all are gluten-free. This includes family favorites such as Sloppy Joes, Chicken Fajitas, Meatloaf, Homemade Pasta, and Chocolate Banana Ice Cream.

Gail recalls “when we got into this, I was never thinking about a book. I just wanted to help heal my daughter. And, it worked. Many of Laura’s chronic symptoms have cleared up over time while committing to the diet.”

“All I could think was, how many people could feel better following Dr. Singleton’s diet? They just don’t have my Mom to create delicious recipes using healthy ingredients,” states Laura.

On that score, the book has won over both Lyme patients and their doctors. “One reader told us that by following the diet, all of her symptoms from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and a thyroid condition were eventually resolved. She felt better than she had in her 20’s. And, oh yeah, she lost 30 pounds,” says Laura.