The 3 C's of Addiction

For many years, experts believed that addiction stemmed only from using powerful drugs or alcohol, however now it is recognised that excessive behaviours such as gambling, shopping, and sex also can lead to addiction. The hallmarks of these common problems are:

The 3 C’s:

1. craving for the object of addiction, which can be mild to intense
2. loss of control over the use of the object of addiction
3. continued engagement with the object of addiction despite adverse consequences

Several scientific advances have shaped our understanding of addiction. For example, new brain imaging technologies have revealed that our brains respond similarly to different pleasurable experiences, whether derived from drugs or behaviors. Genetic research has uncovered that some people are predisposed to addiction, but not to a specific type of addiction.

If you think you might have an addiction, seek help to get it under control. Don't let it control you. You deserve to lead an abundant and fun life and if your addiction is preventing you from this then take control.

Foods that harm, foods that heal

               Bombard with to much information regarding food? I am really interested in how food effects our emotions. As a coach I have seen clients who are feeling low, tired and lacking in energy. Besides tweaking their thought patterns and helping them to plan and organise their lives better, diet and exercise are imperative to seeing improvements in one's life. When a client adopts a healthier diet, the benefits reach far beyond the scales. They are more focused, confident and generally happier. Therefore I urge you to think about the food you are consuming.

The foods highlighted in brown are the one's that you should really limit. Start to be mindful of what is added to your food next time you are in the supermarket. You may think that you are buying a tin of tomatoes, but do you realise how much sugar and salt is added?

Wheat
Caffeine
Sugar
Dairy
Vegetables
Fruit
Wholefoods
Beans & pulses
Lean meat & and fresh fish

For more information I recommend the books listed. I have a copy of each and found them really helpful. Joshi's book really does live up to it's claims, one of which says "If no-one comments within two weeks on how great you're looking - you must be cheating."