Addicted

addicted |əˈdiktid|
adjective
physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.

Even if you don't initially relate to this post title, you may find it an interesting read nevertheless.  Although, most people are either directly or indirectly affected by addiction (my hand is raised!).

I’ve always considered all addictions equal (and no one better than the other), as they are most often influenced by a deep-seated unhappiness, whether known or unknown to the individual at the time.  I would even consider the deprivation or purging of food, as in the cases of anorexia and bulimia, to be considered a different and more severe psychological form of addictive behavior.  These addictions are often fueled by a cycle of trying to quite the substance of choice (illicit drugs, cigarettes, legalized drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, etc.), doing well for a time, resorting back to the old behavior, and then the overwhelming feeling of guilt that helps to fuel the self-destructing cycle.

Food Day

Today is national Food Day (“If you don’t know, now you know...”), a day dedicated to shedding light on U.S. food-related issues and trying to instigate change in U.S. policies that don’t necessarily support healthy eating.  Before breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the average American rarely thinks of where their food comes and why some food ingredients are more prevalent in the foods that we eat (eh ehm..high fructose corn syrup anyone).  Below are the 6 Food Day priorities which Food Day hopes to promote.

Purging Guilt

I thought I would sprinkle in this entry as I am talking about writing down what you eat.  Even though it may be easier said than done (and in fact is a process), don’t feel guilty about what you eat, plain and simple.  Acting to change your life should never be fueled by guilt, which fosters a negative mindset.  Plus, there are enough wrong-doers in the world, please leave the guilt for them!  

Fire to Your Flame

"You can't just know the what, you need to know the why - that's your motivation. If you don't know why, you will give up when it gets tough. " -Rick Warren

This quote by evangelical Christian preacher (and author of The Purpose Driven Life) Rick Warren inspired me to explain the flow and overall purpose of the Gain Great Health Blog.  Some of you may be saying to yourself --- Get to the point...Where are the recommendations?  Where is the magic answer for great health?...What should I eat?  How much should I exercise?  How much should I sleep? What supplements should I be taking?...  

Taking Back Control...from What?

So it’s time to take back control of our lives, but from what exactly?  From a system that talks dollars and cents over the health and well-being of the people.  And sadly, a system in which most people place too much faith. And by the people, I mean you and me!