Newsletter

March 24, 2014

Hi {!firstname_fix}

mountain

It's very quiet now. In another month, the peacocks will be screaming their desire for a hen. The neighbors will line up by peacock lovers and haters, LOL. For now I am enjoying the quiet. I am a *lover* but it's a lot of screaming for a whole month, LOL.

I have been loving the stillness. Last night I sat on the porch and watched the mountain light up and then dim. My favorite part of the day.

I spent a couple of hours this morning at the Rio Grande working out our meals for ranch. The banquet coordinator has read Potatoes Not Prozac and has been instructing the chef on the nuances. We not only talked about our specific *banquet* needs but about what will be available in the restaurant while we are there. Seems like FLying Star is starting a gluten free line, so the Rio Grande is negotiating with them for special items. The room rates will only be held for another week, so if you haven't reserved, make sure to get on that.

I know in prior years a number of you have generously contributed to our scholarship fund. If you are not able to get to ranch, but would like to support someone who is on a limited income being able to attend, this would be a great time to show your appreciation for what the program has given you. Click here to make a special one time donation.

And I have been refining the agenda to include the new things we have been learning about why ss people gain weight and what it takes to actually lose it. It has been fascinating for all of us and I think it will be fun to bring it to ranch. Now that I have outlined the concepts, I can begin do the support materials. Part of what I love about ranch is having the flexibility of presenting the information that is emerging from the community. It really means that *you* define our conversation.

I also love that we are doing it a little earlier this year so you will be blessed with this miracle softness.

These classes will begin Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:

Step 2: Introduction (2 weeks) - will teach you the basics of journaling. The class will give you step by step instructions in how to record your food and feelings in a way that gets you excited.

These classes will begin Wednesday, April 2, 2014. Please click on the name of the class 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.
	What Else is Embedded in the Steps (2 weeks) - This is a special class for all you newcomers who want to move on ahead quickly or for those of you who came to the program already doing everything. Find out what else is in the steps besides the food. Get the inside scoop from the one who wrote them (smile). You do not have to second guess anymore!!

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

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 **

As you learn to handle new situations, as you learn to recover from a slip, you will become smarter and savvier each time.

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**Testimonial of the Week **

Hi All, I had a looooong day yesterday. I was up early. I have a new neighbor and he is an early riser and has been waking me up. I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. It may help, but in the meantime I have several solutions. I slept in a different room last night, bliss, no noise! I will move my bedroom around and see if my builder can put some soundproofing in on one of the walls.

I had to travel to London for my closest friend in the world's Mother's funeral. On the way I had a meeting to attend. I am on vacation but this was very important. I drove and took a cool bag with me with plenty of supplies. I had rye toast, bags of cooked brown rice, oat cakes, protein powder, milk and shaker bottle, nuts, tinned fish and a meal of salad and chicken.

I had a snack after the meeting, continued on to London and had a meal at Leon, a fast food, wholefood restaurant. So far all went as planned. The funeral was fine, early afternoon then back for tea. There wasn't anything I could eat but I didn't need anything, I had also taken peppermint tea with as I am caffeine free. There was an evening event so time to eat dinner that I had brought along.

I got home around 11:30 pm after quite a long drive home as the the main highway was closed for repairs! I am amazed that this program gives me the resilience, energy and emotional capacity to manage days like these. I never could have done this in the past.

Jo

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**Radiant Ambassadors **

How does sugar affect children?

You could always ask Regina's daughter who "wanted to study how sugar affects kids for science fair."

I will let Regina tell the story:

So she got about 40 kids to participate and had them all play a computerized game of memory. She recorded how long it took them to play and how many turns it took to get all 18 matches. Then she gave them each an 8oz glass of lemonade and 3 gummy fruit slices. Yes, I felt bad buying and distributing sugar, but the lesson learned was probably worth it. Then they waited five minutes and played again. If learning had occurred, the second time should be about the same or even better because the kids know how the game works and have had a chance to think of strategies for remembering, right? Well, 60% of the kids had a worse score the second time and quite a lot of them had a much worse score. You could actually see the frustration on some of the kids faces who had enjoyed playing the first time. The other 40% did about the same or only slightly better.

My daughter concluded that even one glass of lemonade is enough to almost instantly make it harder to think in at least half of all kids. I noticed as she was compiling her data that the 20% of people that improved their scores were model kids with reputations for never acting out and they were siblings, so it went with the family. The average- to poorly-behaved kids were the 80% that did the same or worse.

It was just a 5th grade experiment, but the results were pretty obvious. I suggested to her that she should write on her conclusion that the tradition of a juice box, packet of fruit snacks, or a granola bar right before the end-of-year testing was probably a bad idea. She said, "Obviously that is true, but I'm not putting it in my report." Great lesson for all my kids. My daughter said lots of people came to her display to find out if a glass of lemonade affects memory, so hopefully it was a lesson for all of them too.

Is this a future Radiant Recovery Ambassador in action? Pass on our congratulations, Regina!

Selena
selenas@blueyonder.co.uk

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

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**How I Found Radiant Recovery **

Hi - my name is Linda and I'm from St. Paul, Minnesota. You might say I backed my way into this program. When I happened upon the Radiant Recovery website (about 2 months ago), I was already doing some of the steps (after spending years trying to find some relief from feeling crappy) but I still didn't feel good. I knew I was addicted to sugar, so out of sheer desperation, I quit sugar and alcohol just before finding the website. I know you're supposed to do the steps in order and not move on until mastering the previous step, but by the time I got the book, I had a month of detox under my belt and didn't want to turn back, so I forged ahead. I am doing pretty well with the steps except for step 2. Still struggling with that one. I signed up for this class to get connected with the radiant community and learn how to use the resources. Best wishes to everyone on the radiant recovery journey.

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** Radiant Recovery^® Store **

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

As many of you know, I asked David to carry this product after I had heard a good report about it. I told you I LOVED it. I forgot to take the bottle to Florida when I went to visit my brother. Last week, my eyes were itching and burning and feeling really dry. I couldn't figure out why. Finally it dawned on me so I started up again. Two days later, things were fine…pretty amazing.

ProDHA Eye Bottle

Here is a testimony to the impact of your input. Last week one of our regular customers told us about a Nordic Naturals product she had tried. It is called ProDHA Eye. She said her ophthalmologist had recommended it for *dry eye* and it was having a huge impact for her. Kathleen read that email and asked me if I had sent in our Nordic order yet. I said, *No, I was doing it that afternoon.* Here is her response:

As I have gotten older, the issue of dry eye has become more of a problem. Living in New Mexico, which is DRY, DRY, makes it way worse. You know I LOVE Nordic products, let's give it a shot. I know it is a bit pricey, but when I think about how much I am spending on eye drops, this sounds way better.

Here is what Nordic Naturals says about it:

Added Zeaxanthin and FloraGLO Lutein for ultimate eye protection*
93+% true triglyceride form for optimal absorption of essential omega-3s*
Promotes healthy eye moisture and tear production*

ProDHA Eye® combines concentrated omega-3 fish oil with key nutrients that have been shown to protect the eyes and support healthy vision.* The omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is more concentrated in eye tissue than in any other part of the body, and is vital to the structure and function of healthy eyes. By supporting healthy inflammatory levels, omega-3s can also help alleviate many common symptoms of eye discomfort such as dryness, pain, and redness.* FloraGLO® Lutein with zeaxanthin has been added to further support the structures of the eye and provide protection against harmful ultraviolet blue light.* ProDHA Eye combines these key eye nutrients in one convenient formula.

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

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**Radiant Kitchen **

Here is a recipe that I made up and was delicious.

I got a package of precooked rice from Whole Foods. I think it was about 2 cups. It was called *forbidden Rice* which of course meant I had to get it.

I put that on the bottom of an oval casserole dish.

Then I mixed some cut up chicken from a roasted chicken I had gotten from the grocery store with 1 can of Annie's Cream of Mushroom soup, 3/4 cup of freeze dried carrots, and some chicken broth to make the mixture creamy.

I poured this mixture over the rice and cooked it all in the oven for 45 min at 300 degrees F.

It was sooooo good!

For more great program-friendly recipes, check out our cookbook in the store and visit our online Radiant Recipes site.

Radiant Recovery
Cookbook

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**Radiant YLD **

You know it's working when.....

...you catch yourself running up the stairs
...you notice that your boobs stick out further than your belly
...you look forward to putting your trainers on and going out for a bike ride
...you start experimenting with more veggies
...you drink more water

Steph x

If you would like to join, come find us here

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**Radiant Conversations **

We have a new portal for the Conversations program. Come check it out here.

I have ben rereading a book first published in 1970 by Paulo Freire called Pedagogy of the Oppressed. I read it back then and it significantly shaped my view of the world. Rereading it has really touched some thinking about what we are doing here in the community. I think we might start doing some reflection on this in conversations chat. Do plan to come and join us.

If you would like to join us, you can do that below.

Join YLD Weight Loss Now: click here - $99

Join Conversations 2011 Now: click here - $99

Join Both YLD and Conversations Now: click here - $149

Current YLD members wish to Upgrade to Both, click here - $49

If you are not a member, come and join us if you want to be a part of the latest and greatest or just have some plain ol' fun!

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**Our Online Groups **

The Radiantdepression group is all about support for the person who is depressed and trying to work the 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.

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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**Doing The Program on a Limited Budget? **

Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.

So you have gotten excited about your healing. You are ready to make changes. But when you think about the impact on your budget, you get overwhelmed. Things are tight already. However can you do this plan when you are trying to work with a limited income? Sometimes you read the struggles people are having about how many grams of protein and you groan because you are struggling with making ends meet let alone counting protein grams. You know you can't afford fancy foods and the costs of the foods in health foods store is beyond your means.

The secret to making change is just like the program. You do it in baby steps and you plan carefully. Let's start with the proteins. They don't have to be fancy. Pinto beans are great. Tuna, eggs, chicken all work. And they all go on sale. Chicken thighs can be found for very little and have lots of meat. Don't spook yourself. You are already skilled at stretching things.

What you are going to do is make artful trades. For example, if you buy plain oatmeal instead of sugared cereals and spend the difference on extra tuna, you will be on your way. So, try this experiment. Next time you go shopping, add up what you spend on the sugar stuff and the junk food stuff. NO judgment. Just add it up and see how much of your food budget goes for that. You may find that you are spending money on things that you have always bought but never really thought about it. And often when working with a limited budget, you get in the habit of buying what feels like cheap things - bologna and macaroni.

I know you have huge creativity. You have been using it to get by on not much money for years. The trick in the process is to shift your thinking on what you buy. Let's say you have been eating Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 3 nights a week. Not much nutrition but it fills you up. So now you buy a large bag of potatoes, use commodity cheese and add a can of tuna. Same meal, 1000 times better for you.

Or you can get whole wheat tortillas or make pancakes from scratch with whole wheat flour and you fill 'em with beans and cheese and vegetables. Or you serve oatmeal and eggs instead of poptarts. Lentil soup on brown rice is about as good a meal as you can get. And dry milk is a great protein source. Add it to all sorts of things. When people talk about making a shake in the morning, you can do the very same thing using dry milk powder, oatmeal and day old bananas.

We asked some of our folks what changes they have made. Maybe some of these will ring a bell.

I'm always looking for ways to eat better for less money. Recently my daughter (who also follows the program) and I hit upon a deal where I do most of the cooking and we share the cost of the food. I freeze individual-sized servings and we have our own frozen meals to 'heat and eat.' I keep track of how much the ingredients cost and estimate the cost per serving. I was amazed that most of our meals with protein and a brown (some include veggies, too) were under $2.00 per serving. Many were less the $1.50 per serving. This is considerably less than even 'fast food' prices.

Here are some things that I've learned to do to cut food costs.
- I buy meats that are on sale. And I buy bulk quantities and repackage them into serving size portions. Then I freeze these for use later.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs are cheaper than boneless skinless chicken breasts and are a good substitute in most recipes.
- I buy ground turkey and use in recipes that call for ground beef.
- For things like beef stew, I look for a small roast and cut it up into chunks for the stew. It's often less per pound and better quality meat, too.
- I buy veggies that are in season and ones that are on sale. In the summer I buy fruits and vegetables from local growers and farmer's markets and freeze them. I have a small garden and grow some of my own veggies. You can grow tomatoes and many other vegetables and herbs in large flower pots.
- Growing my own herbs saves me a ton of money.
- I buy oatmeal and brown rice and whole grain flours in bulk.
- I invested in a soy milk maker and I make soy milk for pennies. I paid for the soy milk maker in less than a year.
- I make my own chicken broth and my own red sauce for pasta for much less than the commercial brands. Plus I 'know' mine don't have sugars or coverts.
- Canned beans are not expensive, but cooking dried beans costs even less money.
- I buy blocks of cheese, grate my own, and then freeze it by spreading it out on a cookie sheet to 'flash freeze.' Then I store it in a zip-lock bag and you can scoop out just what you need for your recipe.
It's taken me a while to learn to shop and cook more economically. And it's definitely easier to stay in my budget since I don't buy pricey foods like boxes of cereal and cookies and chips and prepackaged convenience foods. Because I have lots of ready-to-eat food choices at home, I don't buy dinner at the drive-through.

It is definitely possible to follow the program and eat really well and not spend a fortune on food. Looking for recipes? Kathleen's book, Recipes to Remember, is a jewel. There are also great ideas in the Radiant Recipes section of the Radiant Recovery website.
I buy items in bulk by going in with my friends and shopping at Sam's Club. We started planning together sort of as a game. Now, it is fun. We kinda have our own little buying club.
I buy items on sale and stock up. I know the basic things I use and PLAN for when the sales come up. I think the planning thing is the biggest change. Of course the longer *I* am doing the program, the less helpless I feel about having such a limited budget.
I buy the fruits and vegetables that are in season. My store has a place for bruised or cut vegetables and fruits and I get them and just cut out the damage. I have talked with the produce guy and he told me the best day to find things. In fact, he loves to help me get the good stuff.
I go to my local farmer's market or grower and get extra and then freeze what is leftover. I was surprised how easy it is to do this. And at the end of the market, a lot of the growers are willing to give me what is left for a very low price.
I talked to my neighbors who grow things. They let me take the drops from the field for free. I got great apples and made lots of sugar-free applesauce. Then froze it and use it with all sorts of stuff. My kids even put it in the oatmeal they are eating now.
I planted my own tomatoes and veggies. My kids helped. We had fun and they LOVED eating from their own garden. They used to turn their noses up at vegetables. But when it is their own vegetables, they rub 'em and scrub 'em.
I started to can my own foods. My mother used to do this and I thought it was way too hard. But now I know why she did it. Great food and very low price. I got a lot of the supplies for it at the flea market. That was an adventure. My mother has lots of tips and is having fun passing them on.
My kids love it so much they haven't even noticed it is brown. We use it for peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast. They have that and a glass of milk and it seems to work really well for them.
I grew up on beans and rice and corn and tomatoes from the garden. Funny, we were never sick. I went away from this as I got older. But I am trying it out. My brain remembers what to do. I am making brown rice instead of white. My family is actually pleased. We even made some homemade tortillas and then were great!
I get food stamps and usually just roam the aisles deciding. Last time, I actually made a plan before I went. I left the kids at home so they wouldn't ask for things. I ate before I went. What a difference it made. I spent the same amount of money but got totally different things. I am even thinking about using my commodity foods in a different way.
I made this HUGE pot of lentil stew with ham hocks. It smelled so good, my kids are asking for it every week. Then I got brave. We usually have franks and beans on Saturday night. Last week, I MADE the beans and made some brown bread. Surprised even me!
When I started, I thought this was silly. But we have been doing this for a year. My doctor bills are almost nothing. My food bills are more, but my doctor and prescription bills have dropped so much that we actually have a little extra. And we all feel so much better.
When we looked at what we were spending for cokes, beer and chips, it stunned both me and my kids. We bought some more protein, got better bread stuff and spend some on videos. It is a nice trade.
My sister and I lived closed to each other and both of us were on tight budgets. What we did was invest in some plastic baggies and plastic food containers with covers. Then we'd go shopping together and buy foods/staples and paper products that were on sale and/or in larger amounts than we would need individually. After shopping we'd go on over to her house and divide the stuff up. We also used store coupons on the sale products too. This was great. We saved money and we didn't have to worry about finding a place to store the extras in our tiny apartments.

Thanks for reading! If you know someone who could benefit from this, feel free to forward it to them.

Not a subscriber yet? Like what you have read? Sign up to get future issues delivered straight to you:

http://www.radiantrecovery.com

Until next time!

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.
Steph provides the Your Last Diet column.

©2014 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