December 28, 2009


Hi {!firstname_fix}

Now we are settling in. Dark nights, cold mornings, except for those of you down below the equator. But it is a time of reflection. 2009 has been a big year for many of us. Lots of change. And now, it is feeling like a time of consolidation and stability.

So there are 137 days 'til RANCH in Albuquerque. This year's ranch will be spectacular. While we will continue to offer great resources for people who are just starting up, we will be significantly expanding offerings for people who have been doing the program for a while. Ranch will include a segment on Spirituality and Recovery. I will also be doing a session on the role of guided imagery in healing PTSD - why it works the way it does, and why the Safe Place meditation is such an extraordinary tool. This segment will introduce the new meditation series that will be available on CD at ranch. Remember that this year we have an *early bird* special on tuition and that Southwest is having an amazing sale right now.

Please come join me at the blog. We are having a lot of fun with it.


These classes will begin Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Please click on the name of the class you wish to join and it will take you to the registration page:

Radiant Step 1 (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.

Radiant Step 2: Upgrading Skills (1 week) is a specially formatted step two class for people who *know* how to do it but haven't. Or who are writing but not using. Or who are sometimes writing and sometimes not. This is new material and specially geared to you.

I will post a class schedule for the new year later this week. 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 **


You may be surprised to discover that food has a bigger emotional charge for you than you realized.

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** Testimonial of the Week **


I agree with Tina, it took me a number of increases from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup to 1 cup and it is really obvious by my posts during those times of the difference this increase made for me. When people ask me why the certain amounts of things with the food I say, protein makes my brain work, browns make my emotions work.

Karen M


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** Radiant Ambassadors **


Many of you have joined our Radiant Recovery® group on Facebook. It has become a wonderful place for people to ask questions and discuss their experiences. We recently put together a team dedicated to developing Facebook as a resource for people doing the food and connecting people back to the Radiant Recovery website and community. We realized that there are two separate concerns for people coming to Facebook. One is wanting to make connections, ask questions, meet people, get answers and all that social stuff. The regular group will continue to do that.

The Facebook team saw the need for a simpler way to keep people updated with the latest information flowing out from the community. In some ways we thought we needed a venue kinda like the newsletter, but on Facebook. So we have set up a new Facebook page: Radiant Recovery® International.

Radiant Recovery® International will give you a way to hear directly from Radiant Recovery on Facebook. If you are on Facebook, you can become a fan of Radiant Recovery® International, and updates will appear on your personal News Feed. You'll receive weekly updates with news, links, videos, event information, Kathleen's latest blog posts, and more!

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


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** Radiant Kitchen **


Beef Stroganoff
  • 1 1/2 - 2 pounds beef tenderloin or sirloin sliced into strips, about a 1/2" thick and maybe 3" long
  • salt (optional)
  • pepper
  • 1 onion, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth (I use low sodium, but regular is fine)
  • 1 tsp. good mustard (I can't find a program friendly dijon, so I use a garlic mustard aioli from Trader Joe's)
  • cornstarch to thicken or 2 tbsp butter mixed with 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil, or non-stick spray
  • sour cream, about a quarter cup, room temp
Okay, this may sound a little odd.

Get a brown paper bag that you get your groceries in and open it up like when we made book covers. Place the beef, salt, pepper, and onions on it. Toss so that the meat is coated and mixed. Then take and wrap up the bag like a package and leave it at room temp for about 2 hours. Stick it on a plate, because it usually leaks.

In a skillet, either make the roux and add the broth or heat the broth and add cornstarch to thicken. Add mustard and mix, then remove from heat.

In another skillet, brown meat and onions in fat of your choice over moderate high heat, about 10 minutes. Add the browned beef, but not the onions, to the reserved sauce. Set over a moderate heat, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring as needed.

Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.

***I will tell you, this does not really make a "sauce" if you like a lot of it. I end up making a lot more and adjust measurements accordingly, because my family wants sauce for their noodles. This is more like a coating, if that makes sense.

Enjoy,
PE

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



Radiant Recovery
Cookbook


Naomi's Nutritious and
Delicious Cookbook

Sheila's
Kitchen Recipes

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


YLD is the weight-loss component of Radiant Recovery, initially developed as an adjunct. It is now an integral part of what we do. YLD stands as a significant alternative to the usual weight-loss diets you all know. In most programs, you are asked to define your goal weight, or to seek “abstinence.” You sign up and are given a “plan.” Your progress is measured but the number of pounds you lose, or by how many days’ abstinence you maintain. I am sure that many of you have had lots of practice and probably lots of success at dieting. But generally speaking, diets don’t last. You may lose, but often it does not stick and you gain back what you lost and more.

Diets do not go to the root of the problem – why you are fat and why you have such a hard time with it. YLD targets the why. It creates a profound change in your body and your emotions. We guide you in transforming the feelings of rage, disgust and hopelessness into clear, focused, mobilization.

There are several phases to the program:

PHASE ONE: Balancing your Body and Healing Your Addiction
Phase one turns a frantic, desperate person into a relaxed and mobilized person with hope and a great skill set. You may lose weight in phase one, but the emphasis is on healing not weight.
PHASE TWO: Refining Your Skill and Introducing Movement into Your Program
This phase is about practice with your core program. You learn to “do the food” skillfully, so when you move to weight-loss specific refinements, your core program is rock solid and you can concentrate on losing weight.
PHASE THREE: Defining Your Weight Loss Plans in a New Way
This phase helps you to define your weight-loss needs to include far more than how many pounds to lose. It teaches you to know your body, know your style, know the factors that contribute to success and how to put these together.
PHASE FOUR: Supporting You in Long-Term Results
Create the body you want and keep it with you. Phase four is were you actually work with the changes specific to weight loss in a special group called Weight Loss in Action.
A crucial part of moving through YLD successfully is having ongoing guidance suited to where you are in the process and having regular and consistent encouragement from people who care. You need information and connection.

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.




I had that same reservation at first. I finally broke down and ordered the very cheapest bottle of Restore made. Much to my surprise, it was wonderful. I have had different protein powders for a decade or so as in a previous life I was a gym rat. I always put up with the less-than-wonderful taste for the benefits. But Restore is excellent. And I like the fact that it was developed to help people's bodies heal, not to help lift bigger gym weights.

As soon as I had the first shake from that first bottle, I went on the subscription list.


Sue

Restore is the best protein powder on the market. We love it, you will too.

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 **


As you know, we have a special group, the Recovery list, for people who are also dealing with substance abuse or who are in recovery from substance abuse. In the next few weeks, I will be leading a special assessment process to help you determine if you have a problem, and if so, how serious it might be. This will be a special time on the list. So if you wonder, now is a good time to come listen, participate and find answers.

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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** A Radiant Recovery Collage **
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.



Kari posted this on the forum and I just loved it.

I put a collage together:

Well, I decided to put them in a scrap book. And it will be something I will keep adding to. But in case you are bored and have nothing better to do, I listed all the words and phrases that I found. It's really long. I tried to keep out repeats. But it is very interesting where some of these phrases come from.

Radiant energy
The power to be anything
Break free from worries
Your lunch plans
Turn off stress
Tranquility
Healthier body
For health
Treat yourself
Relax mind and body
Helps fix problems
Health benefit
Worthy
Reduce monthly irritability
Laugh
Know-how
Smart solutions
Soul-satisfying
Breakfasts
Brighten up everyday
Bye-bye blahs
Little cup of sunshine
Well-being
Breakthroughs
Conquer
Impressive
F-R-E-E
Heighten optimism
Answers
You deserve
Fuss-free
Calm frayed nerves
Restore confidence
A life-changing philosophy
Solutions
Happiness
More effective
Relax and have fun
Found!
Daily bliss
Stress gone
Brilliant
Glowing
Bring out the very best
Fabulous
100% guaranteed
Wake up to happy energy
Will change your life
Food cures
A good night
Quicker thinking
Just say the words I CAN
Turn off anxiety
Discovery
Smart food solutions
Results
Effective
Changed my life
Rise and shine
Feel calm all day
Smart solution
Share a little comfort
Keep it simple
The treasure
Fantastic
No chemicals needed
Wow the crowd
Sky’s the limit
Change
Fearless
Strength and elegance that make a statement
Back-saving
Love
Appeal
Automatic
Real
Time to fully enjoy
Lots of wows
Growth
The difference
Celebrate
Joy
Meaning
No-fuss
Say no
Find meaning inside
Care
Discovered
Gift
Wrap her in warmth
Comfort and joy
Love the warmth and softness
Celebrating
Eating healthy
Improved comfort with every step
My mood has improved 200 percent
Happiest you
Bring the family together
Feel less bloated
Achieve
Chaos curbed
Home sweet home
Power
Be happy without being perfect
Luminous
What to eat
Healthy
For you
Delight
Feel happy
The pure joy
Avoid a meltdown
On cloud nine
Changed
Promotes overall well-being
Approved
Solutions
Absolutely free
Yes you can
Relief
Enjoy food again
Is right for you
In touch
Live well
Living
Starting today
Totally balanced
Instant upgrade
Special
Possibilities
Smart solutions
Trimmer
Hope
Stress cures
For the whole family
All the ways to enjoy
Beautiful gift
Combat stress
Love your body now
Free gift
Listening to your body
Eat smarter
Non-toxic
Protected
Good
Glow
Turn
Grow
Complete
Feel satisfied
Happy energy found!
Fresh living
Chaos cured
Health bonus
Greatest treasures
Wow
Safe
Energy
Amazing
Proactive
Whole grain pasta
Wake up refreshed
Gorgeous skin
Restore focus
Quality
Unveiled
Hello beautiful
Living
Find the motivation
Cook smart
Warm feeling
Revealing joy
Healthy living
Confidence
Take action
Radiant
Powerful
100% impressive
Concentrate
Stay the course
Plan
Feel great
Smiles are something you never need to budget
Good morning
Consistent
Alertness
Adjustable
Alert
Noticing the difference
Reliability
Organized
Overcoming any obstacle
The right diagnosis!
Gift to you
Praise yourself
Connection
Guarantee results
When you feel beautiful on the inside, it tends to show all over
Fabulous health
Feel blissfully calm
Ahh…
The results are real
All the wow
Superfood
Recovery
Makes me happy
Happy energy
Helpful answers
Make smart swaps
Show you care
Delightfully different
No morning grogginess
Bliss
Makes all the difference
Survive
All natural
Boost brainpower
Be happy!
Pursue your dreams despite life’s obstacles
Give warmth
Shine on
Be prepared
Dedicated to me
I feel like a new person
100% happy
Never give up
Rejuvenated
On the rise
You
Ready (I chose this one because one needs to ready)
Restore
Uncover the splendor
Feel more
i-need
Opportunity
Love your body
New and improved
Perfect fit
Put you first
Simply splendid
The proof
Stay on track
Peace
Strength
Caring
Path
Small steps
Healthy routine
Strong
Clear choices
Know what you’re eating
Gracious
Embrace
Self-powered
Conquer
Very pleased
Family
Outstanding
Fresh
Opportunities
A new way to eat
Sleep comfortably
Passion
Real satisfaction
A bright future
Order
Stay in the game
Mellow
New Nature’s Pride
Just imagine
Feel good
No excuses
One small step
Drawn to happy
Bright
Relax
Heartfelt
Thanks
Power
Shine
Breakfast
Better home
Step-by-step
Everything is illuminated
Something good
Lifestyle lift
The balance of mind and body
Key to success
The true you
Food diary
Simply the best
Lots of happy memories
Heart-warming
Soft and warm
Solutions
Rise and shine
Accomplish
Experience daily delight
Clear your head
Brown
Fewer urges
Invest in you
Energy for the good life
Resolve
Working to create a world of balance
Amazing
Ease the pain
Life-saving
The day my life changed forever
Everyday matters
Put a smile on your face
Success
Feel the benefits
Everyday good and healthy
Problem solved
Incredible
Moving on up
Impress
Remember
Dinner is ready
Soothing head
There’s a reason
Warmth
Your entrée in ready
Wholesome
Luxurious
Longevity
Step 1 step 2 step 3 step 4 step 5
Care for you
Beat stress
Whole grain brown rice
Completely relaxed
Transformed
Start your day right
Prevented
Enjoy it
Beauty
Healing
Right
Supports a healthy heart
Happy
Find happiness
Help grow
Healthy life
It’s just better
Choice!
Giggle
Your life
Peace
What to drink
Eating
What you eat
Pure
Pain relief
Simply sensational
Real satisfaction
Results
Change
This is love
Never ever compromise on what you put in your body
Revealing
Maximize the “AHHH”
Gift from the heart
Move freely
Ideas for living well
Deserve
There are thousands of reasons
Happy new you
Live love
Look good, feel good
Sensible
Control your urges
Curiosity
Good chemistry
Smart choices
Smile
Fresh food
Live a good life
Oh, yes I can
Create
Breathe easier
You can do it
Reach
Taking control
Motivation
Worth it
Cheer
Wise choice
Clean
Sexy glow
Enjoy it
Strength
I’m living proof
Comfort
Delight
Reinvented
Important
Sharing success
Potatoes goodness
Make a difference
Rescue
The goodlife recipe
Something special
Spuds
Vibrant and alive
Pace
A smart way
Flawless
Veggies
Personal support
Your health
Life
Change is in the air
More living happens
You can
Smart
Measures of success
What’s for dinner
Good for you
Power up
Feel better
Stay-healthy
Fruits
Believe
Think
Surprise
Trust
Creating a better view
It’s all about being
Discover the power of protein

Kari


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.
The banner photograph is by Patti Holden.


©2009 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.htm.