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June 16, 2014

Hi {!firstname_fix}

I am doing the Clearing Clutter class along with the participants and have been working on cleaning out my tool shed. This was actually a very amazing experience. My worker person over the last couple of years has been getting sloppy and lazy (smile) and things were being put away without being cleaned or returned to the right place. So, new helper, and everything came out, got sorted, duplicates put in yard sale spot, everything else will be labeled and stored in the right place. LOL, I found a brand new label-making machine when I was cleaning my office last week. Only another ss person would understand the joy in that. So the shed is vacuumed, the tools are clean and happy, and I am thrilled with progress.

goldens I also had made plans to *downsize* my rescue work. Took down one kennel, and sold it on Craig's list to pay for cleaning the shed. :) Then I got an email from my scout in Carlsbad saying there were two puppies at the shelter. Heh heh. They will arrive tomorrow. I think god is laughing.

And I know that some of you get bored with my *other* life, LOL...but it is part of who I am.

These classes will begin Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:

Using Radiant Resources (1 week) - is a free orientation for those of you who are brand new and would like to find your way around all the things we offer in the community. One of our mentors will show you the ropes. Watch for the welcoming email with a link to join the Yahoo list we use as our classroom.
What Else is Embedded in the Steps (2 weeks) - This is a special class for all you newcomers who want to move on ahead quickly or for those of you who came to the program *already doing everything*. Find out what else is in the steps besides the food. Get the inside scoop from the one who wrote them (smile). You do not have to second guess anymore!!


These classes will begin Wednesday, June 25, 2014. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:

Step 1 (2 weeks) - is our foundation class to get you started. Learn all four parts of step 1 in a structured way. Learn how to progress through them with enjoyment. Let us support getting your program off to a fabulous start.
Shaping Amygdala (2 weeks) - a special class on brain function. Learn how your amygdala shapes your feelings and recovery. Learn how to transform fear, reactivity and doom into joyfulness. Once again, Kathleen will take a very complex topic and make it fun and easy to understand. This is a VERY unique class and is material that you will not find anywhere else. Those who have taken it, LOVED it. And even if you took it before, you might want to come back to it and take it again because it will be just as fun.


The class schedule is online. Click here to see what is planned.

A number of you have asked me how the classes work. Check the class list page for more information on this. And please go read the questions and answers before you write to me. If you have trouble getting through the process, write the tech forum.

Be sure to visit our Radiant Recovery website and Community Forum regularly.

Warmly,
Kathleen

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**Quote From Kathleen **


When you eat according to your food plan, you will have a solid sense of self-esteem that comes from biochemical balance, clarity, and well-being.

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**Testimonial of the Week **


Hi All, An amazing thing happened yesterday that I just have to share. I observed that our mornings seemed to be emotionally-charged lately, although our food was steady, the mornings were just becoming hectic and unhappy.

After breakfast yesterday I talked about this with my children (10, 9 and 7). Instead of coming down on them with a list of disappointments and consequences, I shared my observations and asked them to do the same.

Then, I asked them to come up with some solutions. They had some great ideas which we implemented today. Our morning was much smoother and we talked about this at breakfast again. I thanked them for their solutions and willingness to work at this, and we all felt great.

I realize that I was able to work with the children in this way because my food is steady. I am much more clear-thinking than I used to be. I am able to remove my emotions from tough situations and talk lovingly with my children to come up with solutions.

As a result, the children follow my lead and keep their emotions in check, as well. When they need to cry, I wrap my arms around them and help them work through it without becoming upset myself.

When I am at peace, it brings my children peace. Doing the food has brought us to a much more joyful and happy place.

Well, one of the problems was the morning scramble for what to wear, (I'm sure you parents know what I mean, lol!), so my 7 yo daughter suggested that we choose 5 days' worth of clothes and have the outfits ready to go. No looking for ties, belts, shoes or socks this morning!

Another problem was bickering about morning chores. My 9 yo son worked with my other son and daughter to divide the chores up so that there would be no questions about who was going to do what.

We talked about the noise in the morning...the volume can get high if the kids are talking from upstairs to downstairs. My 10 yo son recommended that we can focus better on what we need to get done in the morning if we keep the volume at a normal level by waiting to talk until you're with the person you're talking to!

We didn't have any problems with getting our proteins and browns on time, or getting out of the house on time, so I did thank them for these skills as we worked on the solutions.

Finally, the kids came up with a morning routine that they posted on the wall so that they don't miss anything. It goes like this:

Wake up
Eat a protein and brown
Make bed
Do chores
Get dressed & brush teeth
Smile, you're ready for the day!

It seems like simple stuff, but allowing the kids to come up with the solutions was really empowering to them and made for a much more peaceful morning today. Being steady on the food gave me the sense of well-being and clear-thinking to guide the kids through their own solution-making process. Doing the food continues to heal and strengthen us!

Amy

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**Notes from the Forum **


Did you manage the scrambled egg? And something to go with? I hope so. if you can just get breakfast it's like a little present to your body, and you need looking after with so much going on in your life.

My philosophy is that my hair, dishes, everything else can stay as they are 'til I have had breakfast...they will wait. Then all is that bit easier to deal with.

Though I have a great appetite most of the time, if under stress like that, I lose my appetite.... experience has proved that having breakfast anyway is really, really helpful. I have found doing the food a support when life gets overwhelming or sad.

Maybe you could consider shake at this time as well, as being an easy, convenient option. Maybe some Restore shake would hit the spot. Check in with us if you can!

Mosaic


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** Radiant Recovery® Store **


David manages the Radiant Recovery® Store. He is also Kathleen's oldest son.

I have had a whole number of people call me about the Radiant Recovery cookbook we have. They want to be sharing it for Christmas. Order right now and I can easily get them out to you:
Our Radiant Recovery cookbook is the cookbook Kathleen put together. This has fabulous information for getting started in the program. It is simple to use and must for every program kitchen.


Please send questions and suggestions. I love hearing from you and truly want to help you do your program better.

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**Radiant Kitchen **


Here is a chicken recipe that is delicious and fancy enough to serve some guests.

STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

  • 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms
  • 1/2 lb. fresh spinach
  • T. olive oil
  • 1/2 c. chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed oregano leaves
  • pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt (optional)
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
Rinse, pat dry and chop mushrooms. Set aside. Wash spinach. Place in a saucepan. Cook covered, only with the water clinging to the leaves until barely wilted. Drain well, squeezing out excess water. Chop (should make about 1/2 cup). Set aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 T. of the oil until hot. Add onions and mushrooms. Saute until tender, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, pepper, salt and spinach. Cook and stir well for 1 minute. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, flatten each chicken breast by placing them between 2 sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap and pounding them with a mallet until about 1/4 inch thick. Spoon 1/4 of the mushroom/spinach mixture onto the center of each chicken breast. Roll lengthwise. Secure with toothpicks.

Place rolled chicken breasts into a 9 inch square pan. Combine chicken broth with remaining 2 T. of olive oil. Spoon over chicken. Bake uncovered, basting frequently, until chicken is tender, about 15 - 20 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving (optional).

Note: You can make the mushroom/spinach mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before using. Then just start with pounding the chicken and filling, rolling and baking.



For more great program-friendly recipes, check out our cookbook in the store and visit our online Radiant Recipes site.


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**Radiant YLD **


This week there have been a number of people who have wanted to talk about *other* diet plans. Let's see, there was the raw till 4 plan, the 5-2 diet and the Kay Arthur Diet. (smile). Yah, I know you are going to go look them all up. That is a good thing because it will help you enjoy Your LAST Diet even more. People have also asked, *When can I join? Do I need to wait until I am steady on the steps? Or at step 7?* The answer is you can join on step ZERO.

Of course we are not doing to talk about those diets, LOL. We will talk about how your fat terror consumes you...this is particularly good if you are just starting and feel in a panic because you are eating more and still having all the sweets and you notice a little change on the scale and it freaks you out. Or your doctor is telling you that YOU HAVE TO lose weight NOW and you are conflicted. Then you come over, sit in on chats and calm down.

You hear about healing, and your brain, and fitness and weight loss that works and sustains you and transforms you.

It is actually kinda nice. And we LOVE new people joining us. And we love people coming back after 5 years and saying, *Hey, is that really a 'lifetime' membership?*

If you would like to join, come find us here

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**Radiant Living **


We have a new portal for the Radiant Living program. Come check it out here.

Some of you have written to me and said, *What do you really do in Radiant LIving anyway?*

It's a little hard to explain, LOL. All things non food. What is it like to commit to living a life that is based on joy? Even from the start, even on step one. What is sincerity in making the commitment? What does that mean? We talk about things that we don't talk about on the step lists, even on the step 7 list. There is something special about it. I think maybe it is the place where you get a chance to learn about the values behind Radiant Recovery® and how to bring them into your process.

If you would like to join us, you can do that directly below.

Join Radiant Living Now: click here - $99

If you are not a member, come and join us if you want to be a part of the latest and greatest or just have some plain ol' fun!

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**Our Online Groups **


On the Radiant Step 5 list we talk about the importance of browns, about the different grains available - how to choose, how to cook, how to serve. We explore why for some of us wheat may not be the best alternative or not a good one. Step 5 can be exciting and you can learn how to introduce new things to resistant family members. We also call it the 'coming out' step since it's at this step that when we 'eat out' we may seem different to those not familiar with our program.

Or come to the group page to find the one that will best support your program: http://www.radiantrecovery.com/list_serves.htm


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**The Tools of Your Journey **
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.



Let’s spend a little time talking about the valuable tools of your journey — your journal and the lists of your process.

Use that Journal

The value of your journal comes in using it. When you really understand that your journal is the way your body talks with you, everything changes.

If you only see your journal as a 'log' to record how well (or how poorly) you are doing, it will get really old fast. If you work with your journal as a living dialogue with your body, it will truly be a joy. You will want to write in it.

Even more important, you will want to read it and use it to understand what your body needs. You may feel that the steps I have outlined are too simple. You may drift towards counting calories, towards recording grams. You may focus on tracking every little detail, but forget the relationship part.

Remember Relationship

Your body wants to be in relationship with you. It will show you the way by how you feel. If you are feeling better, things are working. If you aren’t, then you simply need to adjust your process and your food.

But you can’t know the adjustments without your journal. If you came to my office for a private session, I would ask you to bring your journal. Here are the things we would look at together:

  • How are you feeling when you wake up? Are you energized? Excited about the day?
  • Do you have a hard time shifting gears into being awake?
  • Do you want to eat breakfast? Are you hungry?
A healthy, rested body wants to get up after sleeping. Even a 'night person' will want to get up — albeit more slowly and in increments. When your body is balanced, it lives in a quality of being pleased to have another day. If getting up is really hard for you, simply make a note of this. It will change as the food changes.

  • Are you having breakfast with protein every morning? Is this enjoyable?
  • Have you developed a routine that you like? Is it easy and pleasant?
  • Has breakfast become automatic and simply a part of your morning without a big hassle?
I sit on my porch in the morning and eat breakfast with the birds. Together we watch the light break over the top of the mountain. It is a quiet time that anchors my day. My journal taught me how important this time is. If I skip it and 'get to work' my day is not the same. I am far more scattered and rushed all day. It’s these tiny little details that create change.

  • Are you having three meals with protein and your very complex carbs?
  • Are you eating enough? Are you eating too much?
  • Are you enjoying what you are eating?
Your Journal Will Lead you

I was recently working with someone who is a little person. She weighs 118 and wants to weigh 110 (stay with me. I know at first glance you may think you should have such problems — but the story is the same for all of us!). She is sugar sensitive and is doing YLD.

She started having 3 cups of veggies at each meal. She felt she didn’t lose weight quickly enough (a clue — she is still in the numbers game ;-) ), so she added another cup of veggies.

Her body is very smart. It said, 'I don’t think so!' She stopped losing weight and started feeling de-energized and off kilter. I blessed her body. It is so smart. It was talking to her! Her body wanted her to listen.

She needed to do her food in a way that suited her body. We sorted it out. Less was better. And the plan started working again.

  • Are you getting the vitamins every day?
  • Are you having that evening carb? Yep, Mr. Spud is important.
  • What are you doing with caffeine? What about aspartame?
Sometimes, people forget the vitamin part. But the vitamins are directly tied in to the processes that convert tryptophan into serotonin. Skip the vitamins and you are working with only part of the equation.

Yes, Yes, the Potato is Important

And, I know you know that the potato is important. Or you may not. I am still getting mail from people who ask me, 'Are you sure you really want me to eat this?' 'It’s high glycemic!' 'Sugar Busters says that potatoes are BAD!' 'But, you aren’t supposed to eat before sleeping!' 'It’s more calories. I am going to gain weight!'

Remember, we are changing your basic thinking about losing weight. We are up against years and years of conditioning here. Read the weekly newsletter. Check on the forum. Talk about it with others doing the program. It’s important. Have your potato.

Redefining the Focus

I am sure you are connecting with my reasoning. You notice, at no time have I said, 'So how much do you weigh today?' If you are still focused on the scale, you aren’t focused on the relationship to your body. You will lose weight, I promise. But what I want most is for you to know, and most of all, to love your body.

I want you to come to love that body — even while it is still fat, even when it is wrinkly and saggy (my apologies to you who are younger ;-) ), even when it is still learning about exercise. This body has served you diligently.

Through all those years of abuse, being forgotten, living in shame, being hidden, your body has waited and wanted to talk with you. And I guarantee, if you come home to it, it will respond with a degree of cooperation which will shock you.

Your body loves you. Even if you haven’t loved it — it adores you and wants to serve you. Spend time, listen to it. The journal is your body’s voice. Literally, think of that when you write in your journal. Think of that when you read your journal. Your body’s voice. Relationship! Finally.

If You Listen, Your Body Will Speak.

Thanks for reading! If you know someone who could benefit from this, feel free to forward it to them.

Not a subscriber yet? Like what you have read? Sign up to get future issues delivered straight to you:

http://www.radiantrecovery.com

Until next time!
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Here are the folks who are helping put the newsletter together:

Gretel, our webmaster, puts it all together.
David runs the Radiant Recovery® Store.
mosaic contributes to the Notes from the Forum column.


©2014 Kathleen DesMaisons. All rights reserved. You are free to use or transmit this article to your ezine or website as long as you leave the content unaltered, use this attribution: "By Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. of Radiant Recovery®", and notify kathleen@radiantrecovery.com of the location. Please visit the Radiant Recovery® website at http://www.radiantrecovery.com for additional resources on sugar sensitivity and healing addiction.

You are getting the weekly newsletter from Radiant Recovery® in response to your signup. A copy of this newsletter may also be found posted on the web at http://www. radiantrecovery.com/weeklynewsletter