mind articles

Europe's new smoking stance

Currently Europe is undergoing another major shift in attitude towards smoking. Ireland recently outlawed smoking in pubs, many pubs in the UK are following suit, and now parts of Germany are becoming smoke-free. This is the reaction to the following statistics:

• Smoking is the single most preventable cause of early death in the world

• 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking

• Smoking is the biggest avoidable risk factor for cancer

Now you probably knew those statistics, especially if you live in Australia with all the anti smoking commercials – here are some lesser known statistics.

Cigarette smoke contains around 4,000 compounds, and most are toxic including:

• Acetone – great for removing nail polish (and destroying vital organs)

• Ammonia – ask your dry cleaner how important this chemical is to business and getting rid of those irremovable stains

• Benzene – vital ingredient to keep your car going (not so good for you), it’s linked to leukemia

• Cadmium – that battery powered energizer bunny just wouldn’t be the same without it

• Formaldehyde – one day they will probably give you a heavy dose of this chemical, but for now best to leave it to the recently dead .

There are numerous resources to quit that many smokers have tried. I did smoke for a while (when I was really cool), but fortunately it never stuck for me.

Most quitters will say it comes down to pure willpower, but if you haven’t tried yet, then some helpers can be:

• Going through a good detox

• Hypnosis

• Allen Carr has written a book that has helped many people including clients of mine called “ Easy Way to Quit Smoking”

However one of the reasons against quitting smoking for some people is the weight gain that can come as a result. Therefore I believe it is imperative to examine your current nutritional and exercise habits to help the quitting process as much as possible. Why?

• Exercise is without question one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, and vital when those cravings kick in. Exercise is also excellent in helping the detoxification process through sweat.

• Eating supportive meals comprised of fibrous carbohydrates (vegetables), protein (quality meat), good fats and oils (like olive oil) and unprocessed starchy carbohydrates (like brown rice) will help reduce blood sugar spikes and cravings.

Incorporating these two factors will keep your weight optimal, reduce your stress levels and help return your body to health.

Just go to your local supermarket and you will see most foods sold today are processed, in other words you will see a label and they may even have words on it

Your 3d Coach

Craig Burton