 Hi {!firstname_fix} I am continuing the great clear and clean at home. This is unlike anything I have ever done. Even when I have moved, I have had boxes filled with *stuff* I hadn't dealt with. This time, I am systemmatically going through every cupboard, every closet, every shed and clearing out. I cannot tell you how wonderful this is. Of course I am discovering the power of the mighty sugar sensitive office supply gene. I have gel pens, I have little containers to hold the gel pens, I have staple removers (more than one) and many assorted things....LOL. So bless FreeCycle. I gave a lot of stuff to one of the local campaigns. I have found a woman who has a special ed class. They love gel pens. My dog runner wants to earn a little extra money for the summer so she is helping me catalogue my stuff for freecycle. I put 2 dog houses that came with 2 rescue dogs up and in 30 minutes had 20 people who wanted them. This is very satisfying. Once the back room is cleared, I will bring back the photographs and start my family project. I am writing up a little family history since 1963....golly that is 45 years...this is when I met my children's father...this is the history they find fascinating so I will do that first. I have Christmas letters and photos and notes to put together. Of course, as I mentioned last week, I am also doing the myth busting process, so I know that the Christmas letters are not entirely reliable data, LOL. But the process itself is fun. We have a family yahoo group...so I will see what other people's memories are for each year. it always amazes me to hear the significant events that passed me by - like when the painter mistook my son's blankie for a rag. Your repsonse to the mind body info was fun. I got cited in a subsequent note for having 66 people respond (smile). Here is the URL again if you missed it. Just go look and crank up those numbers, LOL. www.mindbodymedicineupdate.com/?affid=spkrhKs18lt These classes will begin Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join and it will take you to the registration page:  YLD: Diet Head is Not All That Bad (2 weeks) is a new and very unique class to help you transform old messages about the importance of dieting and using the scale to determine your sense of well being. This is a brand new class. I think it will be life changing I know the chat certainly affected people. Remember you need to be a YLD member for this class.
Step 1: The Art of Breakfast (1 week) 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. Back to Basics 2 is a continuation of our Back to Basics 1 class. There will no classes beginning Wednesday, July 30 These classes will begin Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join and it will take you to the registration page: Step 3: Three Meals (1 week) is one of our core classes. This is a skilled based class. If you want to learn the baby steps of a successful step 3, come join us. This class is ALWAYS fun. Using Radiant Resources (1 week) 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. If you are on disability or low income (your household income is less that $1000 a month), you may take classes for free if you get certified. I have put the guidelines for certification on the class schedule page. 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 **********************************************************************
July 21, 2008 ** Quote From Kathleen **
You don't have to work through your self-esteem and take care of feelings your whole life. You just do the food and the feelings will take care of themselves. *********************************************************************
** Testimonial for the Week**
I have spent a lot of time in the quest for ultimate knowledge and understanding, only to find that my thinking was convoluted beyond any prospect of a definitive answer being circuitous and tortured. Simplicity really is key for me now. However expansive Kathleen or anyone gets the message is the same once you can hear it. I might agonize through the intellectual contortions we are prone to and I'd produce a long and deep and heartfelt post only to get a brief reply cutting through all my largely tangential concerns. Believe me, the *stuff* that makes up the majority of any of my lengthy expositions is resistance. It's *yeah but yeah but* all the way and the words smother and comfort in their poetic validations. *Just do breakfast* doesn't quite do us justice. It's too easy for us. We want to go into fantasies about it and set up adversaries including ourselves to do battle over it. The struggle ends as soon as we get the oneliners. Honestly! Mel PS have you heard the *What Else is Embedded CD?* - it's hilarious on this point. ********************************************************************
**Radiant Ambassadors** I've just checked in to my library website to have another look at the latest Potatoes not Prozac and see how it's doing. It appears that I've been having a look at the new Potatoes not Prozac on Amazon.co.uk. On Saturday it was ranked number 17,713 overall and 17th in the depression titles. I thought this was quite good especially as there are millions of titles on there! Now it has climbed right up to 3,024 overall - a massive leap - and it is up to 6th in the depression section. It's also 33rd in the losing weight section. Wahooooooo! One way of getting more interest in the book is by writing a review of it. Amazon sits up and takes notice of books that get a lot of reviews. They will feature it on their site if a lot of people are interested in it. Would you be willing to write a review on Amazon about Potatoes not Prozac? It doesn't have to be anything fancy, a few words from the heart will do. You could always have a look at the existing reviews to give you an idea of what to write if you like. While you're there you could also rate other people's reviews to show that we think the views are worth listening to. What do you say? Let's get this book noticed :) Selena Ok, and we have exciting news...we have someone in every state in the USA now. How fun. If you haven't signed our buddy map, won't you come do it? www.buddymapping.com/maps/radiantrecovery Come join us if you are excited about spreading the news. ********************************************************************
**Radiant Kitchen**
Chicken Curry Salad Ingredients:
Process:
In a small bowl combine the mayo, lemon juice, and curry powder. I use about a teaspoon of curry powder but I like it strong. The more curry powder you use, the more lemon juice you will need to thin the dressing. If you aren't sure how much curry powder to use, start with a half-teaspoon. You can always add more, but you can't take it out if you get too much. Put the curry mixture over the chicken and toss with a fork to coat everything. Chill for at least a couple of hours. I chill mine overnight. 2 servings.
********************************************************************
**Your Last Diet: More Than What You Think**
YLDonline is a membership program run directly by Kathleen DesMaisons herself. I think the chat on diet head was sort of a watershed for many of us. It is not really about diet head, per se, but about a new way of being in relationship to our fat selves. We have looked at this in many ways over the years, but something shifted. This is why I am so excited about the class. I find it amazing that the place for this great shame for so many of us is becomming this well of joy. Here is a wonderful quote from Ramona: Wednesday’s chat was amazing. It is still sinking in for me, taking a while to process. Last night I suddenly realized what is my diet head’s strength – learning. She learned all the ins and outs of dozens of diets, she learned enough about nutrition that she could probably get a degree. She learned enough about exercise to be a personal trainer. She (I) was constantly learning new things in the never ending quest to be thin enough, beautiful enough, healthy enough, good enough, lovable enough. When I was exhausted and just wanted to give up and check out of life, she was off learning another new thing that would save me. She knew! She knew doing the food was the answer. She just had the wrong question. Ramona 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. ********************************************************* ***********
**Radiant Recovery Store **
Verena wrote this after the last class. I am not sure that you all know how often we send stuff overseas. But we have learned the art of getting them there quickly and through customs. I love learning these skills. It is funny, the people at the post office ask me questions about shipping. They love what I know and we enjoy trading tips. Dear David, Thank you. I learned a lot. Am very happy about enzymes (they really work!!! It's wonderful!), flavorings (yum), George's Restore (likewise), the Blender Bottle (quick and easy), Omega 3 (allergies improving)... pretty much everything I've ordered. It was great to learn about it in a systematic way. Thank you! Also, delivery within the US is really quick. I was very happy about that as I arrived here 5 days after ordering and found my package waiting for me. Best wishes to you and everyone Verena Please send questions and suggestions. I love hearing from you and truly want to help you do your program better. ********************************************************* ***********
**Our Online Groups**
The radiantdepression group is all about support for the person who is depressed and trying to work Kathleen's 7 step program of recovery from sugar addiction. Many of us have struggled with severe depression for years without any hope of finding an end to it. But through doing the food we have found that hope returning and have found light where before there was only darkness. Some of us are taking anti-depressants while doing the food, so we talk about how the two are compatible and we also share about getting through the tough spots together, with support from each other. If you are feeling depressed please come join us. There is hope. ********************************************************************
**I'd Never Have Believed
**
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. I like to share this one from time to time. I never tire of it. I'd never have believed you if you'd told me... Posted By: Marina Well, I type this from the comfort of my sickbed, since I have a Happy New Year virus and am feeling lousy today. Nothing much has changed since Step 7 in how I cope with being ill. I am still an abysmal patient who thinks she is dying of the bubonic plague rather than the common cold. But this is my first cold in 18 months, which is miraculous for someone who always averaged 4 colds a year. I will also grudgingly admit that this one is a lot milder than those I am used to. I was just reviewing my journal, and to cheer myself up, I thought it would be fun to reflect on some of the post-program changes that I simply would not have believed until I experienced them. Some stuff I expected. VAGUELY feeling better. (How could I feel worse)? Maybe bingeing less (Again, how could I binge more?) Feeling a fraction less crazy (as before, do you see a pattern emerging here?) LOL. But I didn't expect a great deal beyond that. So fast-forward a couple of years, or one year if we're talking Step 7. Here in no particular order, is my list of big and small surprises. I would never have believed you if you'd told me: That my taste buds would be the main part of me to undergo dramatic and wholesale rehabilitation. When I started SARP I was not keen on 85% of foods, and keen on about 15%. Generally those that came laden with fat and sugar. This ratio has now flipped over, and it happened so gradually but it still takes me by surprise how many flavours I can taste now. That I would feel satisfied at the end of each day, not hungry and dopey and spacey and hurting like dieters are so used to feeling. That I would go 17 months without a sugar binge. The longest before that was 4 days. I counted. The binges stopped when I finally quit playing coy flirting games with Step 3 and well... shamelessly threw myself at it. That after an initial gain on Step 3, my weight would stabilize for the first time ever. That I would lose 2 dress sizes over a year without really trying. But note to newbies: this happened INCREDIBLY slowly. I don't weigh myself any more, but I'm guessing about a pound a month. I know it's different for everyone, and I wasn't really overweight, but fluctuated crazily and very unhealthily. That my beloved tea could ever feel good without the caffeine, and taste sweet without the sugar! That I would pass my degree, when for 3/4 of it, I had been on course to fail. That I, who am Not A Responsible Person, could act as an executor for a close family member, tying up all their legal, financial and business affairs pretty much single-handedly. That in the process I would research investments and learn about money and find it fun and empowering, as well as useful for a time in the future when I'm earning enough to invest on my own behalf. That I would complete a one-month teacher-training course consisting of 18 hour days that I honestly thought would kill me! That I would have energy all day long, not for a brief window between 11.30am and 3pm if I'm lucky. That I could ever, ever, EVER be A Morning Person. That I would buy my first bikini, and start wearing skirts for the first time since I was a little kid. That I could buy chocolates for someone else, and my mind would actually go blank trying to figure out what brands or flavours might be the best. One kind of connoisseurship I am astonished and glad to have gotten rusty in! That paying for said chocolates, I would feel completely detached, like I was buying yarn for a knitter friend, deluxe nut roast for a vegan buddy, or something else that Other People Do. That I didn't have to buy the chocolates at the last possible minute before handing them over, to stop myself from eating them instead. That I would become more emotionally honest, and be grown up enough to deal with the consequences. That I would really, really want to travel. I just didn't feel that same curiosity before I began to heal. That I would find a career, even two parallel or successive careers, that I am seriously interested in pursuing. That I would form several great new friendships this year, which have delighted, nourished and inspired me. Previously I averaged one every couple of years. I am so excited about the new people in my life and what they've brought to it. So, would anyone like to join me on this thread? I would love to hear about the things YOU would never have believed either. ******************************************************************** Posted By: Delse Hi Marina: What a great post. I have been detoxed since March, 2005. Here are some of the changes I never expected: (also in no particular order) That weight would stop being the most important reason to do this program -- healing became much more important. I spent 30 years worrying about weight, and that wasn't the issue at all. That I could quit alcohol, coffee and diet coke, and not only still have a social life, but have a much better social life. That I could get through the day without deep fatigue at 3pm. Now I flow through my days. That I could quit biting my nails. (a 40 year plus habit that simply stopped one day this summer) That I could be kind, rather than cranky on a regular basis. That I could calmly and rationally run my business, and not let others get me too emotional. That I could meditate. I never could slow down enough to do it, now I can't live without it. ******************************************************************** Posted By: Chloe I would never believe I would stick with a job. I always quit when things got hard. Or I didn't like something or.....you get the picture. Along those lines I moved a lot. Didn't like neighbors or area or whatever I moved. Now I stop and try to work things out and plan before I move. That I would reconnect with family that I had removed myself from. I now have healthy boundaries. But am able to be with some of the ones I never thought I could. That I could give up sugar. That I would stop binging. That I would stop wanting sugar. That I could actually heal. I find it almost a miracle that I don't obsess anymore. That I can concentrate on tasks. That I can read and comprehend what I have read. School was so hard, now I understand why. That I would learn to keep my mouth shut. (I am still working on that one. But as I do the food and steps it gets better). That I actually think before acting. Impulse control is in my life!!! That my ugly friend irritability is gone. It only surfaces now when program is off. It used to be a big awful part of my day. Thank you Marina it was good and fun to reflect on these things. ******************************************************************** Posted By: annnyc42 Great post Marina, I also have had many things happen to me in the past four years, that I never would have believed. I now have normal blood pressure, and no longer take medication to keep it in control. I no longer get killer migraine headaches. I no longer get backaches. I have just patched up a relationship with my aunt, after not speaking to her in about thirty five years. I also reached out to another friend who I didn't speak with in several years. After healing I can let go of the anger. I am happy, centered and focused. Life is good and it keeps getting better. ******************************************************************** Posted By: mosaic Great post Marina! I loved reading. Morning person ?? Out of everything, that is what impressed me most! I loved your whole report but if you can get me to be a morning person I shall put the flags out. Yet.... in 7 months.... I have gone from dragging myself in a sort of coma, out of bed, unable to speak for an hour at least, to actually waking just before the alarm. Still have to drag self out, but progress. I would never have believed it that I could go for months without obsessing over my weight and getting weighed three times a day, clothes on/off/lean forwards/get on very slowly/jump off/etc. I would never, ever believe that I would give up caffeine or wine. Still vaguely miss it but feel heaps better mentally without. Only a couple of things that I don't quite believe yet, but I will soon, and I'm reminded of - the Red Queen, isn't it?? - "I always believe six impossible things before breakfast " LOL we CAN believe our impossible things *after* breakfast, there's a thought. ******************************************************************** Posted By: Lis Hmmm, what an intriguing thread. Let's see... When I read Potatoes Not Prozac almost 5 years ago now, I would have never believed That I could not only go a whole day without crying, but weeks, months and years. That not only would I stop loathing myself, but that self-loathing would go away all by itself, without any effort on my part. That not only would this program change the way I eat, but that it would do things for my inner self that therapy, books, programs, seminars, groups, affirmations and even medications weren't doing. things like my depression evaporating, becoming emotionally stable, not feeling victimized, feeling empowered and strong, being able to face things even when scared. That I would ever LIKE vegetables! That I would learn to cook That I would continue to cook, even through mistakes, because the alternative (eating out) was becoming less and less appealing. That I would learn about ingredients, fill my cupboard with spices, and enjoy the process. That some important relationships would heal, largely because of my own healing. That my sleep would become regulated. That I could easily and painlessly wean myself off of caffeine. That I would go from being almost incapable of getting through an 8-hour workday because of emotional pain, exhaustion, blood sugar fluctuations, and inability to concentrate or focus - to being able to go back to school while still working full-time. That I would complete my undergraduate education as an adult while still working full-time, hellishly hard as it was, and do really well at it. That my spiritual life would start to heal, with no overt efforts on my part, and that my spirit would start to open up and search. Well, that's all I can think of for now. The incredible thing is that, even just ONE of these extra changes, in addition to not having terrible, overwhelming compulsions to eat more Cheetos and Snickers, would have been an unbelievable blessing in my life. That I've instead experienced all of these changes, and there are many more to come - I can feel it - is almost unfathomable. This year I resolve to re-connect with the forum. As Kathleen has changed my life, I want to be able to hold out my hand and offer a little light and hope to someone else. What a blessing this community is in my life ******************************************************************** Posted By: Rebecca Marina, Great post! I'll pitch in! I'd never have believed that I would stop drinking red wine. And I'd never in a million years have believed that I would end up more relaxed and open to people in a social situation as a result! I'd never believe how much I can eat and maintain my weight! (WW had me convinced I got to eat v. little) I'd never believe that I'd feel as happy in a relationship as I do now, and that I would consistently FEEL my emotions. That I could get to the point of listening to my body where I could just ask what was wrong, and start hearing answers. Thank you to Kathleen for all of your amazing research and hard work. It's paying off dividends for so many! ******************************************************************** Posted By: Janice in Md Hi Marina and everyone, Great thread. Here's what I would not have believed doing the food would do for me. Self-loathing, gone. Hurt, disappointment, regrets, guilt held on to from forever, all gone. Just melted away with radiance. Dark, intrusive thoughts that I couldn't control also gone. Endless brooding and chatter in my head, gone. I have peace. And the best one, I am happy. I understand what happy feels like. I had thought the main reason for my misery was the circumstances of my life. I thought the circumstances would have to change for me to experience happiness. And here I sit, same husband, kids, house, debts. Same life. Yet it is a totally different life. And I am happy. Still blows me away to think about. ******************************************************************** Posted By: Elaine that I would stop reading diet articles, attending "diet clubs," and stop dieting altogether. that I would stop using artificial sweeteners. that I would find carrots, sweet potatoes, herbal teas, and--yes--even broccoli (!) etc. sweet-tasting. that I would stray from my ideal eating-plan and return to it before pressing the binge button. that I would maintain an unfluctuating weight for years. that I would be able to see such a clear connection between what I eat and how I feel. ?that miracles do happen. ******************************************************************** Posted By: Jackie In Response To: Re: I'd never have believed you if you'd told me... (healthie) I am not far into the program but I can say that I no longer am suffering from migraines. In fact, I called the doctor to ask if I could be taken off my headache medicine since I have discovered that they are caused by too much sugar and artificial sweetener. Life is good without the headaches. ******************************************************************** Posted By: beth I never would have believed: I could go YEARS without eating M & m's:) I could stick with anything more than just a few weeks My weight would be the same for over a year ( I'd like to loose but...) I would start my own business and make it work I could grin (inwardly) when my kids melt down Knowing what is behind it I could not cave in to other's expectations and criticisms of my food choices, even on special occasions I could see my faults for what they are and not want to die because I was/am imperfect I could actually CHANGE I would rather plan than "wing it" I would take piano lessons just because I wanted to That sugar...sugar could cause such havoc That I could LOVE, FORGIVE, EMPATHIZE with and MISS my deceased alcoholic father I could STILL wobble sometimes with all the great effects of staying steady! I would check in online nearly everyday for years, give up sugar, caffeine and bread..... and not think I'd joined a cult! I could be free of sinus infections for years at a time and on and on ******************************************************************** Posted By: Kath That I could leave depression and it's medications behind. Migraines and those meds, And medication for ADHD, and so could all 4 of our children, and still have them achieving well, in fact better, in school. That I could understand why so much of my irrational unreasonable behaviours and feelings happened, and feel kindly, compassion and gentleness. That I could respond rather than react. That I could laugh so much and be genuinely glad. That knowing the theory and understanding it and applying *most* of it I could sabotage myself and take so long to get to where I am now, where I knew I wanted to be all along. And still be kind to myself! 5 1/2 years after first being loaned Potatoes not Prozac, I am a much happier lady! ******************************************************************** Posted By: Jeannie Orcas That I would listen to people instead of thinking about what I would say next, or wondering what they were thinking of me. That sugar and whites would have no charge at all for me. That I wouldn't use my circumstances as a reason/excuse to limit my life. That I would be fearless and bold . Risk-averse, timid me. Bold. That I wouldn't live from one wild enthusiasm to another. That I could patiently build a skill. That I would have so much hope. That I could feel so connected to people I haven't met in person. That my food obsessions, depression, and anxiety would heal. ©Kathleen DesMaisons 2008. Here are the folks who are helping put the newsletter together: Gretel, our webmaster, puts it all together 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 Geraint Smith |
