Newsletter

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Oh, we had such a wonderful time in New York City. First the seminar at The Open Center where we met lots of new people and then our own little Radiant Recovery New York thing. I talked about the new book and how it is different from the first edition. This is a fun way to really get how much we have grown in the last ten years. And how much fun to see old friends.

The sea has been blue this week. I love watching the fishing boats make their way out the channel and then over to the south. I cannot imagine life as a fisherman or woman in the winter. BRRRR.

I also spent the week getting the dogs settled. Seems like they picked up some parasite from something on the beach. Not a pretty consequence. I planned a trip up to Vinalhaven, a sweet Island to the north, but decided on the way that Ronan's intestinal distress and an hour ferry ride wouldn't work. Thank goodness for modern drugs. Now they are healing, and just had to suffer through feeling sick to their stomachs for a few days. Poor dears.

It is a different rhythm here. Solitude suits me. I think I have turned towards introversion in Maine. I am reading, I am writing and most important reflecting on all that. I am thinking about things I haven't thought of for years. This is very nice.

These classes will begin the week of January 30, 2008. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join and it will take you to the registration page:

Step 2 Journal: Skillful Use is the next level of journaling. This is for those of you who know *how* and want to learn what to do with your data. This class shows you how to interpret what you have written in an exciting and pragmatic way.

These classes will begin the week of February 6, 2008. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join and it will take you to the registration page:

Brain Frontiers: The Practice of Renewal is a second level for those of you in the first class who would like an opportunity to explore the practical application in every day life. Come and learn new techniques and share your practice of implementing the ideas of reshaping your brain.

Step 1: The Art of Breakfast 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

Using the Resources of the Community is for those of you who are brand new and would like to find your way around town. Come sit on the top of our double decker bus for a guided tour. And even if you are not brand new, this is a really fun class to reconnect with all the treats of the community.

The class schedule is on line. Click here to see what is planned. Please do not sign up for classes that are not yet scheduled.

A number of you have asked me how the classes work. Check the class list page for more information on this. The classes are done online and you do not have to be at your computer at any set time. It does not matter whether you are in the US, Europe, the Far East or Australia, you simply respond on your own time. And although I advertise that the classes are one or two weeks, sometimes we are a little flexible and they may run longer.

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.

Please feel free to pass this week's newsletter on to your friends and family. Don't forget to let me know what you like and would like to see me cover.

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

Warmly,
Kathleen

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January 28, 2008

** Quote From Kathleen **

Remember that you are literally learning a new language. You are going to have to practice to become fluent in body talk.

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** Testimonial for the Week**

I've been quiet lately. I think there are 2 things. First, I find myself a little disoriented on the step 7 list. I find almost every post speaks to me and it is a bit like I've been stunned into silence as I process how beautiful the connection is here. It is odd to be here and not find the food aspect of the program challenging. Now, it is learning a new way of living. I don't know if I can quite explain it. It is strange to have every post be from someone who I've admired and who has inspired me.

The 2nd thing is that I've been continuing on my quest for quiet. I'm meditating more, taking more quiet moments during the day and just celebrating lovely moments. Today it is very cold here (or at least for us), but it was also sunny and I found myself following the sun around the house and feeling so thankful for the sunshine. I've also found the quiet a bit disorienting. What is this feeling I'm having? I sit and stare at my journal wondering what to write. It is like when I'm blue, but I'm not sad and I'm accomplishing things. I kept trying to identify what I'm feeling. I finally one day just wrote "quiet." (smile) That seemed to just be what it is. It is a new feeling for me and I've been sort of relishing my alone time as I quietly go about my daily routine. I keep glancing around surprised to find that little by little the house is getting more and more organized. I feel tired and I go and rest. I feel hungry and look at the clock and it is time to get food. My body is craving movement, so I move. I guess it is like the struggle is gone. Life just is and while it is really nice, it is also really weird because it's never been this way before! I've had pieces, moments, glimpses but it always took so much effort and right now things just feel smooth, easy, and quiet.

So, I'm here, just quietly,

Emily

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**Radiant Ambassadors**

We have a lovely little group and are sharing ideas about what we can say where. It is really fun. Come join us if you are excited about spreading the news.

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**Radiant Kitchen**

By Naomi Muller, Step 7, author of Nutritious and Delicious Cookbook.

I think this is a great stick to your ribs type winter meal. I hope you enjoy it!

ROASTED VEGETABLES AND BRAISED TURKEY

Roasted Vegetables:

6 cups diced peeled beets (about 1 pound)
4 1/2 cups (2 1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
3 cups (1 1/2-inch) cubed turnips (about 1 pound)
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups (1-inch-thick) sliced carrot
1 cup (1 1/2-inch) cubed unpeeled red potato (about 8 ounces) 8 garlic cloves Cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Braised Turkey:

2 pounds turkey, cubed into 2 inch pieces
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup turkey or chicken broth
1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
10 peppercorns
2 bay leaves

Preheat oven to 450°.

To prepare the roasted vegetables, place first 7 ingredients in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Bake at 450° for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half of turkey, and sauté 5 minutes or until turkey is browned on all sides. Remove from pan. Repeat procedure with 1 teaspoon oil and remaining turkey. Return browned turkey to pan; add 1/4 teaspoon salt, broth, thyme, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. Uncover, bring to a boil, and simmer until the liquid is reduced (about 5 minutes). Serve turkey with roasted vegetables.

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**Your Last Diet: More Than What You Think**

YLDonline is a membership program run directly by Kathleen DesMaisons herself.

Oh have we had fun in the readiness class. What a fabulous group it has been.

I also wanted to remind you....you do NOT have to be ready for weight loss or even need weight loss to join YLD. It is only a part of what we do. We also do problem solving, laugh, get creative and look at new ideas. It has been fun this month because we have had a lot of you join us. And Chats are getting more and more fun by the week.

If you are not a YLD member, come and join us. Click here if you are ready to change your life or just plain ole have fun.

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**Radiant Recovery Store **

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

Well, because Kathleen and I had such a great discussion about Pycnogenol® as you can see from the article below, perhaps you'll want to stock up!!!

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

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**Our Online Groups**

Hi, I am Milly, the host for the Brits list and I wanted to let you know what has been going on with us lately. The Brits list was originally set up as a geo list to provide support for those doing the food in Britain. But, over the past few years British involvement in the RR program has grown and grown and we now have a YLD Eurochat on Wednesday nights (UK time) and our very own Euroranch in Salisbury for anyone doing the program in Britain and Europe. As a result of all of this, the Brits list has also grown a lot and is now a wonderfully fun place of support for anyone doing the programme in the UK. We talk about what it means to do the programme here, what different foods we eat, and how to translate American terms into British ones and we also have lots of fun!! It is a great place, a very supportive group, full of wonderful people. We also have quite regular get-togethers, usually twice a year or so, mostly in London. The last couple have been at our favourite restaurant, Leon, where 15-20 of us happily take over their biggest table for several hours. They haven't complained yet, LOL.

So if you are a Brit and you are doing this programme, we'd love to have you join us.

Or come to the group page to see all our groups. http://www.radiantrecovery.com/list_serves.htm

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**Pycnogenol®**
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.

pine bark

pine trees

pine cone

I was talking with David about which of our store products he loves. He said Pycnogenol® 'because it is so light I can tuck it in anywhere.' This made me laugh. I thought it would be fun to share the other side of how we decide to carry a product. I think Pycnogenol® is an incredible thing. Let me walk you through some of what has been written about it. I will add my thoughts and explanations to these citations. You can go and read any of the cites by going over to Pub Med and typing in the name of the article in the Search Pub Med for box.

Allergy

Sharma, S. C., S. Sharma, et al. (2003). "Pycnogenol inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells." Phytother Res 17(1): 66-9.

So Pycnogenol® makes your body less reactive to allergens. This is why Pycnogenol® and fish oil act synergistically to reduce allergy.

Arthritis

Schafer, A., Z. Chovanova, et al. (2006). "Inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 activity by plasma of human volunteers after ingestion of French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol)." Biomed Pharmacother 60(1): 5-9.

Ok, so think VIOXX on this one. Instead of nasty side effects, you can get a positive effect with an herbal intervention. Pycnogenol® is made from pine bark.

Diabetes

Kamuren, Z. T., C. G. McPeek, et al. (2006). "Effects of low-carbohydrate diet and Pycnogenol treatment on retinal antioxidant enzymes in normal and diabetic rats." J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 22(1): 10-8.

Belcaro, G., M. R. Cesarone, et al. (2005). "Venous ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with local use of Pycnogenol." Angiology 56(6): 699-705.

Berryman, A. M., A. C. Maritim, et al. (2004). "Influence of treatment of diabetic rats with combinations of pycnogenol, beta-carotene, and alpha-lipoic acid on parameters of oxidative stress." J Biochem Mol Toxicol 18(6): 345-52.

Liu, X., H. J. Zhou, et al. (2004). "French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients." Diabetes Care 27(3): 839.

Liu, X., J. Wei, et al. (2004). "Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II." Life Sci 75(21): 2505-13. Spadea, L. and E. Balestrazzi (2001). "Treatment of vascular retinopathies with Pycnogenol." Phytother Res 15(3): 219-23.

There is lots written about Pycnogenol® and diabetes. It is pretty powerful stuff.

ADD

Heimann, S. W. (1999). "Pycnogenol for ADHD?" J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 38(4): 357-8.

Interesting question here. Makes me wonder about the brain effect of pycnogenol. See what you think.

Air Travel

Belcaro, G., M. R. Cesarone, et al. (2004). "Prevention of venous thrombosis and thrombophlebitis in long-haul flights with pycnogenol." Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 10(4): 373-7.

Cesarone, M. R., G. Belcaro, et al. (2005). "Prevention of edema in long flights with Pycnogenol." Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 11(3): 289-94.

These are actually the reason I first got interested in Pycnogenol®. The biggest risk in air flight is not having an accident, it is having a blood clot from sitting for a long time with pressure on the back of your knees. Pycnogenol® seems to prevent this. I recommend that anyone flying for more than 2 hours just add Pycnogenol® to your travel kit.

Cancer

Huang, W. W., J. S. Yang, et al. (2005). "Pycnogenol induces differentiation and apoptosis in human promyeloid leukemia HL-60 cells." Leuk Res 29(6): 685-92.

Huynh, H. T. and R. W. Teel (2000). "Selective induction of apoptosis in human mammary cancer cells (MCF-7) by pycnogenol." Anticancer Res 20(4): 2417-20.

These articles are talking about cell death in cancer cells. Go read about apoptosis here at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apoptosis

Maybe this is a preventitive that we should pay attention to.

Pregnancy

Ni, Z., Y. Mu, et al. (2002). "Treatment of melasma with Pycnogenol." Phytother Res 16(6): 567-71.

Melasma is the brown mask that comes with pregnancy. It is hormonally induced. I am wondering if pycnogenol will affect the brown spots of aging.

Weight Loss

Mochizuki, M. and N. Hasegawa (2004). "Pycnogenol stimulates lipolysis in 3t3-L1 cells via stimulation of beta-receptor mediated activity." Phytother Res 18(12): 1029-30.

Hasegawa, N. (2000). "Inhibition of lipogenesis by pycnogenol." Phytother Res 14(6): 472-3.

Ok, so these two are saying Pycnogenol® stimulates fat burning and inhibits fat storing. Hmmm, how did I miss that one in my YLD class, LOL.

IBD

Mochizuki, M. and N. Hasegawa (2004). "Therapeutic efficacy of pycnogenol in experimental inflammatory bowel diseases." Phytother Res 18(12): 1027-8.

This made me smile since I have been dealing with colitis in the dogs all week. They are getting it now.

Surgery

Blazso, G., M. Gabor, et al. (2004). "Pycnogenol accelerates wound healing and reduces scar formation." Phytother Res 18(7): 579-81.

Is there anything this little sucker does not help?

Ok, Ok, she says, take it, LOL. I originally got it for the store because the other thing it does is strengthen cappillary walls. If you take higher doses of fish oil (or even aspirin), it thins your blood. And if you have brittle cappilaries, it can make you more vulnerable to bruising. I found that pycnogenol seems to really help this. Then I learned about the travel and blood clots thing and said, 'ok, let's get this stuff in the store.' Then one day, I started poking around in Medline. This is a mighty powerful little option we have. See what you think.

©Kathleen DesMaisons 2008.

Here are the folks who are helping put the newsletter together:

Gretel, our webmaster, puts it all together
Naomi gathers the recipes.
David, who runs the Radiant Recovery® Store talks about what new products we have.

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.htm.

©2008 by 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 and use this attribution: "By Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. of Radiant Recovery®. Please visit Kathleen's website at http://www.radiantrecovery.com for additional resources on sugar sensitivity and healing addiction." Please notify me at kathleen@radiantrecovery.com to let me know where the material will appear.

Banner Photograph by Patti Holden, Step 7