Hi {!firstname_fix}

Don’t forget we have three classes starting up Monday. If you come right now, sign up, then immediately return the invitation email to join the group through which the class will be conducted, we can fit you in...

Step 2: Skillful Use of Journal
Brain Chemistry Serotonin: Week 1 of 2
Restart: Getting Motivated - Level 1 (must have taken Waking Up class first)

The Step 2 class will work with people who are journaling and want to learn how to really *use* their journals. This is the course for review and making meaning. The serotonin class is one of the famous brain chemistry classes that is so fun we have to spend two weeks. If you loave the science, you will love this class. And the Motivation class is for any of you who have taken the Restart: Waking Up class. I LOVE this class because it mobilizes the folks who thought they were just *out there.*

We have posted a schedule of the classes for the next month. Check it and see if there is something you like. If there is something you would like and don't see it, let me know. We are having so much fun with these classes. It seems to provide a nice structure and I am presenting some new information as we go.

And, to your credit and enthusiasm, we now have enough folks for the depression class. It will be starting 2/7. If you have winter doldrums, come sign up.

It has been a wonderful week, Pepper had her puppies.Five more came after this picture.



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.

A copy of this newsletter may also be found posted on the web at http://www. radiantrecovery.com/weeklynewsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, use the link at the bottom of the page. Do not email me, do not get mad at me, just click on the link and you will be forever removed.

And be sure to visit our Radiant Recovery® website and Community Forum regularly.

Warmly,
Kathleen

**********************************************************************

January 31, 2005
** Quote From Kathleen **

The relationship between your food and your quality of life is powerful. Good food, good program, good life.

*********************************************************************

** Testimonial for the Week**


Kathleen,

I am sure you get these letters all the time but when I read your Christmas letter I felt like you were taking time out to talk to me.

I can only tell you that your book has spoken to me like no other book. I have been in recovery from alcoholism for 18 years. I have struggled with my weight since I was 35 and it got worse when I went through menopause. I have been diagnosed with major depression since 1987. I have hypertension and my primary wants me to lose 30 pounds. Well that is just fine for her to say but where is the help. She wanted to send me to a nutritionist. Think about it for a minute. I have been struggling for 25 years. I have been there and done that on every possible intervention for weight. It never works because of the sugar cravings. I think they are more intense than alcohol. The craving for alcohol left soon after recovery and only visits when I am under severe stress. I am an RN with a Masters in Psychology. My sobriety hinges on my understanding of the neuro and bio chemistry of my alcoholism. Once I got that I got it and have not relapsed in 18 years.

Now from you comes the answer to my prayer. The last time my Primary Physician spoke with me about my hypertension and weight I said to her, "I am not going to lie to you anymore. I just can't say no!!! We already know my brain is broken and then in an effort to restore the neurochemical imbalance you put me on antidepressants with the side effect of sugar craving!! What exactly have you got to help me!!!???" Of course the answer was nothing. I came home determined to find a solution and through a WEB search I found you and your book.

It of course completely and thoroughly explained the biochemistry and neurochemistry of my sugar addiction. I am making slow progress. I am just at eating protein at each of three meals, keeping a journal, and walking 1 hour. I can't quite face no sugar ever ever so I am looking at browns and whites and thinking about it.

Predictably I am not craving as much and I have satiety most of the day. Yes, I am eating the potato. So thanks.

I look forward to my continued recovery. By the way OA only partially worked for me. You see I can always fall back on sugar is not as destructive as alcohol when in fact it is and you put the facts down in black and white for me to see.

I haven't gone to the chat rooms but I am looking forward to it.

Pam

********************************************************************

**Recipe of the Week**


Yum, when I saw this recipe in the Radiant Recipes cookbook, I though they would be super duper yummy topped with "maple butter", which is butter mixed up with some maple extract . Of course, you can top them with whatever you like!

Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Pancakes

Combine pumpkin, squash, eggs, and milk in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate bowl, stir together the flours, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and cloves. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix well. Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles form on surface. Flip and continue to cook about 3 minutes more. Serve hot with favorite toppings. Makes 4 servings.

********************************************************************

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


Well, Ann’s testimonial is more powerful than anything I can say about YLD. There is a quality to the folks in the program that just amazes me. I feel very gifted to learn from you.

Click here if you are ready to change your life or just plain ole have fun.
 


********************************************************* ***********

**Radiant Ambassadors**


If you love the program and want to learn to share the word more effectively, consider joining the ambassador group. We are having some much fun learning from one another.

If you haven't gotten any cards to pass out yet, order them now. They are free! It is a great way to spread the word.

Come find us among the Online Groups


********************************************************* ***********

**David's Corner **

 


Ok, it is time for a little update on the shake story. We now have Junior available. We made this for the kids, but it seems that hundreds of you adults are loving it as well. It has a fabulous taste. That makes me smile since I was so impatient with Kathleen being so meticulous about the taste. I guess her hard work was worth it.

Many of you have asked me about the small jars of regular George. We are going to stock small jars of Junior and large jars of regular. You may wonder why. Well, our company is a very, very small family company. We are not funded by the SBA or a granddaddy with mucho money. Each shake runs costs $16,000, so we have to make some choices.

I am sorry if this creates some inconvenience for you. I am trying to work with you as I can. If you order 6 jars of regular, I can provide you with a 25% discount.

I also encourage you to consider using our subscription plan. George will arrive on your door step each month without your having to remember to order. Many of you are putting your George and fish oil on subscription. That seems to be working well.

I am thinking we could add a flavor of the month so you can try new ones. Kathleen put orange and coconut together. YUM! I noticed her putting maple and butter in her oatmeal. She was shocked that I arrived at breakfast time. I have been coaching the girls’ volleyball team, so the family *flex time* means I come in earlier. Call me if you have ideas.

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

Thanks
David

And of course, we have something for everybody in our store


 
********************************************************* ***********

**Our Online Groups**


I have diabetes. I was diagnosed 6 years ago, and found this program a couple of days later. At the time, the community was much smaller. The forum was the only board available. Since then our community has grown by leaps and bounds. One of the things that has transpired has been the addition of specialized email groups with yahoo.

One of these groups is RadiantDiabetes. I love this group. We talk about the different aspects of managing our diabetes while following the guidelines of the RR program. As you might imagine, it is a little more difficult to keep our BS levels in a good range than it is for people who don't have diabetes. We do this with humor and lots of sharing. I am very proud to be the liaison for this great group of people.

If you have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or someone you love has them and you would like to get more information, as well as support and encouragement, please come join us.

Marie

********************************************************************

** Featured Topic**
Ann's Story
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.

I was so moved by this note that Ann sent to the forum, I asked her if I could use it in the newsletter. This is more than a testimonial. It is a story about the heart of the program. It is one thing for me to tell you, it is another to hear the voice of someone who is living the dream. Knocked my socks off.

I just wanted to share my story. I came here a little more than three years ago and I really wanted to lose weight. About three months after starting the steps I had the good fortune to hear Kathleen speak here in NYC. She said, "this is a 'slow boring plan' and don't even think about weight loss until you have been on step seven for six months." She also said that many people feel so good they forget about the weight loss.

That kind of happened to me. Although I had more than one hundred pounds to lose I began to "forget" about weight loss. My life-long battle with high blood pressure became history. I no longer suffered from killer migraine headaches. I wasn't moody and tired all the time. The list goes on and on. Each week I would notice that something else had "healed" and no longer bothered me.

That being said, I also lost about two pounds a month. That really annoyed me because I could always lose fifty pounds on other "diets" and than gain them back. But I never stopped craving sugar like I have done on this plan. Now I never give a thought to dessert. I can pass by a bakery and not even glance in the window. How freeing that has been for me.

In the past two and a half years I have lost about seventy five pounds or more. I no longer jump on the scale until my slacks are falling off and than I get a little curious. But unlike other "diets" I haven't gained one pound back that I lost. The benefits of working these steps are far more than just weight loss. One can have positive health benefits and be radiantly happy. They sure can't make that promise on Weight Watchers!

Hugs,
Ann

©Kathleen DesMaisons 2004.

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

Gretel, the liaison for the recovery list and the webmaster puts it all together
JoAnna, the liaison for vegetarians gathers the testimonials
Naomi, the liaison for Yisroel gathers the recipes
Terri, the liaison for Ambassadors sends over the ambassadors quote
Marie, the liaison for diabetes gathers the info on the online lists
David, who runs the Radiant Recovery® Store talks about what new products we have.