Hi {!firstname_fix}

Well, we are about to go into 2008. It is the 10-year anniversary of the publication of Potatoes Not Prozac. Amazon will be releasing the new, updated and revised edition on Jan 1, so go ahead and order it (smile). And yes, even if you have a copy, get the new one. It is a lot different. We started with a *revision* track and then they moved it over to the *new* track because of the updates. And many of you will be thrilled to hear the voices of people you have been listening to for years. Don't forget to go review it after you read it...my publisher reads the reviews (smile).

I am really proud of this. And it is an exciting time since I am here starting a new book. I hope you love it and I KNOW you will let me know....

These classes will begin Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join and it will take you to the registration page:

New Brain Frontiers is a new class to take a look at the concepts of how the brain shapes itself. We will talk about the hope that the concept of neural plasticity brings to sugar sensitive folks. I am VERY excited about presenting these new ideas. If you want to learn more about where we are all moving, this is the class for you.

Step 1: The Art of Breakfast is the 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. If you have just come to the community, or you are coming back, take this class. It is always fun.

Step 6: Getting Ready for Detox is a class for those of you getting ready to detox. Often times the new year brings new resolve. I know that many of you are ready to make this step. Let me show you the best way to prepare. This is also an excellent class for you if you are ready to stop drinking alcohol as well.

These classes will begin the week of December 9, 2008. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join and it will take you to the registration page:

Brain Chemistry: Serotonin is the other of our most popular classes. It helps you make sense of why the potato works, why you have a problem in the winter and how Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can play into this. If you munch in your mind, if you are depressed or edgy or feel sad, this is the class for you.

Radiant Store Tour is a free guided tour of the store. David will be leading this class so if you want to get to know the guy that makes it all work, come sign up. This is his first teaching experience, so you can show your support for the work he does to keep you happy.

YLDweightlossreadiness is the new getting started class for YLD members. We are really excited to do this new format. Come learn how Phase One of your program sets the foundation for your entire weight loss plan.

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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December 31, 2007
** Quote From Kathleen **


Doing the food creates a steady bowl to hold your life experience. As it fills, the connection deepens inside and outside.

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** Testimonial for the Week**

Diane, Step 7


Oh, the old *tuck a sweet in your bag when your not looking trick*! Care to join me in an eyeroll? Heh.

I like what you said in "please join me in my addiction so I don't have to feel guilty about what I am doing", and find that unspoken thought to be very true...and have also engaged in that myself. I also can relate to talking about how bad I am being, then justifying it. It's a hard road to be on, as it can be to be witness to it or be solicited as an accessory. Something else that has been really hard for me, is to keep saying no when someone is pushing and my wise mind is trying to stay away from it, while the addict in me does want it..and thinking sheesh can't you see I'm struggling here!?!? Why are you doing this to me?? That's when I have really gotten mad.

So what can we do when "no thank you" doesn't seem effective, and someone is pushing the boundaries? When someone keeps pushing, I have found that if I ask "why is it so important to you that I eat something I don't want? (or eat something that will make me feel awful.) it usually stops things right there pretty well. Do you and others have responses that you have found to work well, when no thank you doesn't get heard ?

I too am looking forward to spending the coming days with like minded people, and sharing the support in what is healthy and important to us. I will be thinking of you all when I light my candle tonight. *smile*

Happy Solstice to you!!



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**Radiant Kitchen**

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


This week's column is devoted to appetizers. If you have a bunch of people coming over to celebrate with you, here are some ideas from my cookbook for party food.

SPINACH DIP

  • 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
Mix well. Serve with fresh cut-up vegetables and whole grain crackers.

CHUMUS

  • 2 cans of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained or 4 cups of cooked chickpeas
  • 8 oz. tahini (sesame butter – mixed according to package directions)
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. light tasting olive oil (optional)
  • 2 tsp. paprika (garnish)
  • 2 tsp. chopped parsley (garnish)
Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor, except oil and garnishes. Place in serving dish and drizzle oil on top. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley. Serve with vegetables, whole grain crackers and whole grain pita. Variation: you can add 1/4 cup of cooked chickpeas to the blended mixture before drizzling the oil and topping with the garnishes

MINI CORN DOGS

  • 1 pkg. beef, chicken or tofu hot dogs – no sugar & no nitrates
  • 1 cup corn meal
  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour for dusting vegetable oil for frying
Mix corn meal, flour and seasonings together. Add eggs and water, mixing until mixture is smooth and a thick consistency. Place the corndog mixture into a small cup (you will need to do this in batches). Cut each hot dog into 4-6 pieces, depending on how large you want them. Place hot dog pieces in a large Ziploc bag and add 1/4 cup flour. Close the bag and shake well to coat each piece in flour. To coat the hot dogs with the cornmeal mixture, take a toothpick and insert it into the end of the hotdog piece. Dip each hot dog into the batter in the small cup, twirling several times to coat well. Fry in oil until crisp and golden brown on each side. These are great dipped in mustard!

Note: If the batter gets too thick, you can thin it down with a little more water, adding water by the tablespoon until it is the right consistency.

If you need to avoid wheat, you can try to substitute 1/2 cup brown rice flour and 1/2 cup oat flour for the whole wheat flour, but I have not tested it! If you do try it, let me know how it turns out!

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

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


Yes, we are talking New Year's resolutions. Today I was talking to someone who says she JUST HAS TO deal with being fat. She was going to go to weight watchers. I asked her how many diets she has done...."many," she said. So I said, "well if you want to go to the heart of it, come over to YLD. It is the best thing around." And this is the best time of the year to do it.

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.



Ok, I am back and will get all your orders out in a heartbeat.

If you haven't tried George's Restore in hot Chocolate Almond Milk with cinnamon on top, you are missing a great treat. It is a wonderful thing for your kids coming in on a snowy afternoon.


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**


Most of us underestimate the importance of breakfast and try to do all the steps in the first week. When that doesn't work, we begin again. We concentrate on Step 1, breakfast, and find our lives begin to change.

The RadiantBreakfast list is a great place to learn the nuances of breakfast, build a strong foundation for the rest of the steps, and find how helpful it is to share our journey with others. It is great for new people and those who have been on the program a long time. Sharing helps everyone.

The awesome thing is we all, Step 1 or Step 7, eat breakfast every single day. How cool is that?

We'd love it for you to Sign up: We love new members!

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


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**Feature Article**

The Law of Threes
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.


I wrote this a couple of years ago. it is still my favorite for New Year's. I will tell you at the end my goals for 2008

I have often been asked why I don't provide a whole list of supplements. "Why only three, Kathleen?"

I operate under The Law of Threes. (I made it up.)

I firmly believe that we sugar sensitive people have "mush brains." We are smart and intuitive but we have a very hard time "remembering" what we are supposed to do.

However, I have found that I can easily remember three things.

Three key issues (blood sugar, serotonin, beta endorphin), three meals, three vitamins. I thought it would be a good idea to put The Law of Threes to use.

Every year between my birthday in late November and Christmas, I begin thinking about the year completed and the year to come. Where have I been, where do I want to grow and what will it take to get there?

In the past, I would write out many goals. Once I even bought one of those expensive planning systems which provided space in my appointment book to see how I was progressing with each goal. I think we had seven areas to work with. But after about two weeks, my enthusiasm petered out.

I couldn't remember everything I was supposed to be doing, so I simply stopped doing any of it. Sounds like a sugar sensitive person, don't you think?

Then I started working with The Law of Threes. I could remember three things. The idea grew with me. It simplifies and focuses my direction.

My goals:
  • Simplicity
  • Order
  • Kindness
I majored in philosophy in college. It is easy for me to conceptualize global ideas. So even though there are only three goals, they still seemed to be pretty abstract.

So I said, "Okay, Kathleen, what do you mean? Let's get concrete and specific, here." It was fun to tag each goal to a very specific area - making it do-able. So I got to pick three applications for my three goals.

Here is what I chose:
  • Simplicity - Food
  • Order - Money
  • Kindness - Exercise
I was getting closer. But what do "food, money and exercise" mean? Back to the drawing board I went.

Remember now, I was still working with The Law of Threes, so I didn't let myself start making up lists.

Oh, I wanted to. I wanted lists big time. All the things I would do with my food, all the strategies with money, and many, many options for exercise. But I held my pen and worked on holding my brain.

I admit that I kept wanting to drift off in wild reflection... "Well, you could do this...."

"Three, you get to choose three," I told myself. So I went back to my little grid (you know I love those grids)!

It made me laugh.
  • Simplicity - Food - 3 meals each day.
  • Order - Money - Pay bills on time.
  • Kindness - Exercise - Do it.
This wasn't cosmic. I just have to worry about three specific jobs: 3 meals each day. Pay bills on time. Do it.

Of course there will be other things I have to figure out in order to manage these three. I will have to watch the time, go grocery shopping, decide what to cook when, what to eat. But I can just keep the focus on the end task - eat three meals every day.

The same is true for paying the bills on time. I have to remember to bring the mail in, to open it, to register that it is a bill, to note the day it is due, to make sure the money is in the right account. You know the drill. We tend to drift and then we get in trouble. La-La land I call this.

In the past, when I hit La-La land, I would get upset and feel badly, and then would have to avoid those feelings by not doing anything.

Now my pattern is to stay focused on what is manageable. Pay the bills on time. Eat three meals. Exercise.

The end of the story?

If I do my three things, I will get to my goals.

See if you can boil down what you want for next year into three things. Get real simple and real focused and see how it goes.

My goals for 2008:

  • Do the food and all that means
  • Exercise
  • Write
Very simple. I like it that way

©Kathleen DesMaisons 2007.

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.

©2007 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