March 29, 2010

Hi {!firstname_fix}



It is 5 in the morning. The light has just started a wee bit ago. My room faces out to the sea in Maine. The beach here is sandy and stretches out a long way.The waves break in so there is always the sound of the waves breaking. The light changes and changes. Yesterday, some folks went walking. Carol collected treasures from the beach.....this is a picture of them. You know, it just looks like water rolling in , but it is filled with treasures. I think this is how life is...It seems like it is just rolling in, but there are treasures if we look.

These classes will begin Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join and it will take you to the registration page:

Radiant Step 3 (2 weeks) is is one of our core classes. This is a skill-based class. If you want to learn the baby steps of a successful step 3, come join us. This class is ALWAYS fun. Step 3 is a pivotal part of a solid program. Come for a tuneup.

Radiant 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. If you have just come into the community, come to this class. It is wonderful and well worth taking the time to do it.

The Obesity Myth (2 weeks) is the famous class that blasted our myths about being fat from the water. If your doctor, husband, girlfriend is on your case, come join us. If you are shamed about being fat, come. If you feel that being fat is wrecking your health, come. Get the real scoop and then move forward knowing what to do. This class is ALWAYS fun.

These classes will begin Wednesday, April 7, 2010. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join 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 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.

Radiant Step 2: Upgrading Skills (2 weeks) is is the second 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.

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

Please wait to sign up for classes until a week or two before, and 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. 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 **


All this work will create enormous gains for you. As you 'do the food' you are going to reconnect with your birthright.

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** Testimonial of the Week **


This has been a big week of change at my house. My oldest daughter is on her way to Orlando, Florida, to work for Disney. Emotions have ranged from very excited to a bit nervous and fearful. On top of getting ready to go, she was also in her first car accident...she was bumped from behind. All were safe and the car was safe. But what I loved about this whole story was how we all handled it. She called me as they were waiting for the police to come...I didn't fall apart, she didn't fall apart, her sister didn't fall apart. And, my daughter said...as far as having accidents go, this was a great first experience. Three cars were involved, and everyone was incredibly helpful. The people driving by were helpful. The police and ambulance staff were all cheerful and helpful. We were all thankful this happened after a good lunch, and I did wonder...what would this look like if we weren't all doing the program?

So, back to Disney. The day she left, we all prayed, hugged, cried a bit, and sent her on her way. She's driving there with her dad, so we're still waiting for the *first day*. Letting go in recovery hurts, but it is also very beautiful. If I weren't in recovery I would be stuffing and numbing my emotions with sugar. I wouldn't have been as present for her. I definitely am excited for her and proud of her...she is following one of her heart dreams. I feel able to encourage her and be strong for her and for myself. Right now I am excited to hear about her first day, I am dreaming of wonderful roommates for her, and wondering what fun adventures she will have. I know, if she is anything like me, the first few weeks will have their own challenges, but I feel we are all as prepared as we can be, and will take things as they come. Again, I thought...what would this look like if we weren't doing the program?

Colette

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** Radiant Ambassadors **


Did anyone watch Super Nanny when it was on? Well, Jo Frost has a new program out called Extreme Parental Guidance which aired recently in the UK. There was one particular episode where she tried to see if there was a link between sugar and hyperactivity.

Jo threw a large party for forty 6 year olds in conjunction with Dr. David Daley from Bangor University and some psychology students. Half of the children were given a high sugar lunch of cakes, biscuits, etc. The others were given a low sugar lunch such as mini burgers. They were not given drinks with ‘E‘ numbers in to rule those out of the equation. After lunch the kids were encouraged to run around and play on the bouncy castle. The parents didn’t know which lunch the kids had had and were asked to guess whether their children had eaten sugar or not. The vast majority of them thought that their kids had had the high sugar lunch.

Then the magician made an appearance and pretty much every child sat still and watched quietly. A lot of parents changed their minds and thought that their child had eaten the low sugar lunch.

The general opinion was that because the children were being energetic, the parents assumed that it was down to eating sugar.

Jo ended the program by saying that it doesn’t mean you should give your kids loads of sugar, but that you shouldn’t be *denying* them what they want. I found it fascinating that Jo and Dr. Daley reached these conclusions. I would be interested to see this experiment repeated with 40 sugar sensitive children LOL!

Anyway, as a result of the program, several people have written to Jo Frost and at least one copy of Little Sugar Addicts has been sent too. How cool is that? Selena

Come join us if you are excited about spreading the news.

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** How I Found Radiant Recovery **


I heard about SARP in early 2001, I don't remember where. I had received some cash for a Christmas gift and went straight out to buy SARP. There was a blurb about Radiant Recovery in the book and a year later when we got cable internet and I got brave enough to touch the computer the first site I went to was this one. I learned how to do breakfast correctly and I've been reading the forum ever since.

Janice in Maryland

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** Radiant Kitchen **


Vanilla Bean-Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients
  • 4 pounds medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise, seeds scraped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°. Poke the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and bake for about 35 minutes, or until tender. Let cool slightly, then peel and transfer them to a food processor. Puree until fairly smooth.

In a small saucepan, combine the cream with the butter and the vanilla bean and seeds. Bring to a simmer. Remove the vanilla bean. With the processor on, carefully pour the vanilla cream into the sweet potatoes and process until smooth. Season the sweet potato puree with salt and pepper, transfer to a bowl and serve. MAKE AHEAD The sweet potatoes can be refrigerated overnight.

(You could probably lighten this up by substituting milk for the cream, but it won't be as yummy (grin).)

For more great program-friendly recipes, check out these great cookbooks in the store.


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


I am hearing a lot of OMG, the program is making me gain weight. This is from people on step two. They think that adding breakfast is making it happen. In some ways it is. Many of you have starved and skipped breakfast as a way to cut a deal for the after dinner ice cream or the all day bingeing on sweets. So when you add breakfast and are still doing the other stuff, it will have an effect. But it is the adding in that creates the stability to be able to hold the weight loss that will come. And come it will!! That is the exciting part.

Listen to how Delse describes it.

I can only give you my experience, but when I was at the place you are at right now, I had a heart to heart talk with myself. The truth was that I did this program to stop binge eating. It scared me, and I couldn't control it.

But it was real easy for me to slip into diet head and forget that. So, I kept gently reminding myself "it isn't about the weight right now." Then, I went out and bought some jeans that actually fit. What a relief.

Rather than fret about the weight, I worked hard to get through the steps honestly. By the time I got to step 6, I started to slowly lose the weight. I lost 15 pounds without much effort. Was it worth those extra months of not losing weight? Oh my word, yes. I haven't binged on sugar in over a year and a half, and it used to be an almost daily occurrence.

So, I would recommend deciding what is really important, and focusing on that. For me, stopping the madness came first, then weight loss.
I have been telling people to wait till after Ireland ranch to get started. Of course all you have to do is tell a sugar sensitive person to wait and they will start, LOL. But the energy is wonderful. People are laughing and having fun. And that is very calming for the newbies who are swirling. I love what is happening on YLD.

I know that some of you want to know if you can join YLD even if you do not want to lose weight. Absolutely. YLD is where we talk about many of the cutting edge issues before I share them in the general community. Sometimes I think YLD really stands for Your Laughing Diet because we have so much fun.

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

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** Radiant Recovery® Store **


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

Hi Lizanne, glad you posted!

Yes, I have the cookbook and it is tattered and dogeared from so much use. There are many great recipes in it that have become part of my standards (Kathleen's lasagna has never been matched, in my opinion), and it is also a very good little reference book. There are also spaces where I have written a few of my own in.

The recipe for Kathleen's baking mix is in the book, and I use that too, it is quick and easy.

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Verla
I love it that these comments keep coming up around the community. And of course I love the cookbook!

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 **


A lot of new people have come over to join radiantparents and are talking about how to do new behaviors with their kids. We are talking not just about food, but about new patterns of recovery in your family. If you are looking for great support for toddlers to teens, come join us. The problem solving is such a comfort and I love seeing the more experienced parents give so much help to new people.

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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**Some Training Tips for Serious Athletes **
Ann Margaret McKillop



Replacement Fuels for the Long Run

Beginners to Radiant Recovery but not beginners to endurance training often have questions about refueling for the “long run” without sugar. Below is Heather’s Goo Recipe and an FAQ that should help answer some of those questions.

Heather’s Goo Recipe and Musings

For each serving, take 1/4 cup oats, cook them on the stove with ˝ cup water; then mix in 1 TBS George’s Restore protein powder and 1/2 small banana (or 1/4 c of berries). Put each serving into a snack sized Ziploc, smush it down until it is only at the bottom of the bag and then freeze it.

Then when I went on my long runs I would grab a few to carry along. Freezing ensures that the food is still cool when you eat it, and not gross and hot from being on your person the entire time. I'm not one of those people that can eat anything while running, but this concoction was gentle on my stomach and seemed to do a good job keeping my energy up. How many you need is up to you and your body, but for me I'd use one for a run of 12 miles, and then every 4 miles after that I'd add another. And, of course, having a solid breakfast first made all the difference. Heather

FAQ
  1. Should I worry about non-sugar fuel replacements when I am early in the program?

    Technically no, you should not worry about non-sugar fuel replacement before you have detoxed (step 6). However, the replacement that is favorite among the list members (goo—recipe above) will not only replace fuel, it will also help keep your blood sugar level, a great concern for SS athletes. So it is a good thing to try whenever you like.

  2. Why oatmeal instead of fruit or something with higher glucose levels?

    Again, as SS athletes, we need to be careful of spiking our blood sugar levels. Oatmeal will give us a long steady burn and not cause a crash after the event or a few days later. And if you can find them, steel-cut oats are even longer burning. The small amount of fruit in the recipe should supply all the immediate glucose you need.

  3. Why is there protein in the recipe? Doesn’t that take away too much energy to digest?

    In the small amount we use it, the advantage of having the protein to keep blood sugar levels steady outweighs any small disadvantage with the digestion process.

  4. What about electrolyte replacement drinks or sports drinks?

    Most of us have found that water is the best sports drink, if we have been training steadily and taking care of our programs, which includes adequate amounts of water daily. Most electrolyte replacements do not provide much in the way of replacement anyway. As with all things, baby steps are best. If you are currently using sports drinks, begin to cut them with water and very carefully journal your body’s reactions. Be especially careful in warm weather to drink before, during and after you run.


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

    Gretel, our webmaster, puts it all together.
    David runs the Radiant Recovery® Store.
    Selena provides the weekly Ambassadors column.


    ©2010 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/