Why We Do What We Do Without Knowing Why We Do It

Impulse

Whether it's falling in love, shopping or overeating, why can't we help acting on impulse?

DR DAVID LEWIS is founder and Director of Research at the independent research consultancy Mindlab International. Dubbed the ‘father of neuromarketing’ for his pioneering studies analysing brain activity for research and commercial purposes, he currently specialises in non-invasive techniques for measuring human responses under real life conditions. He is the founding member of the Impulsivity Research Group (http://www.impulsive.me.uk/), which is dedicated to researching the psychology, neurology and genetics of impulsive behaviour.

When you make a decision or form an opinion, you think you know why. But you’re wrong. The truth is that most of our mental activity actually happens below the level of conscious thought. In this groundbreaking book, Dr David Lewis, director of the cutting-edge research agency Mindlab International, explores this incredible phenomenon. Delving into the mysteries of the ‘zombie brain’ that each of us possesses, he demonstrates how unconscious neurological processes underpin every aspect of our lives, from whether or not we find someone sexually attractive to how we resist (or give in to) temptation. In the process he shows how finger length is a reliable predictor of risk-taking behaviour, how seeing the logos of fast food chains can make you more impatient, and how holding a warm drink makes you find strangers more likeable. Above all, he reveals the practical applications of this emerging field of research, giving us insights into such diverse areas as child development, anti-social activities like rioting, successful dieting, and even the ways that supermarkets make us spend more. We may not be conscious of our impulses but it is clear that we can no longer afford to be ignorant of them.

How to Make the Most of Your Child's Education from Pre-School to Teens

Help Your Child Through School

Helping your child through school may mean the difference between classroom success and failure. With academic qualifications an essential passport to rewarding and enjoyable careers, and with the many changes taking place in education, such help has never been more vitally necessary. 
 
In this practical book, covering the whole age range, bestselling psychologist Dr David Lewis explains how to become an active partner in your child’s educational achievements. 
 
You will learn ways of: 
 
-Working in partnership with teachers 
-Increasing classroom motivation and confidence 
-Developing natural learning abilities 
-Dealing with anxieties which undermine success 
-Offering the right kind of assistance with homework 
-Smoothing the transition between schools 
-Ensuring the best examination grades 
 
Help Your Child Through School is an easy-to-follow guide which assumes no special expertise or educational attainment on the part of parents. 
 
The results of more than a decade’s work with teachers, educational specialists and parents this book is one of the best investments you can make in your child’s future.

De-stress, build confidence and focus your mind in seven days

Breathe Easy

A unique programme that helps you perform at your peak, whatever the situation, after just a few minutes of practice each day

Dr David Lewis is an international stress consultant and lecturer. The author of more than two dozen best-selling books on self-improvement, he is a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, a Fellow of the International Stress Management Association and founder of Action on Phobias and Stresswatch, a non-profit charity advising companies on stress management.

Breathing is what gives us life and yet we hardly ever think of this amazing process unless we happen to be running for a bus or sticking to our New Year's resolution of taking the stairs instead of the lift. But research now suggests that how we breathe can have a profound effect on our physical and emotional health, from controlling stress to improving mental focus and ability. Breathe Easy is a unique seven-day programme that allows you to unlock your true potential by harnessing the power of your breath. Dr David Lewis has worked with many top sports personalities to develop techniques that will help you perform at your peak consistently, physically, mentally and emotionally. Packed with practical exercises, and easy to follow, the programme takes just a few minutes each day. It's perfect for modern life, whether you need more confidence during presentations at work or simply want to feel energized and refreshed. You will feel calm, focused and motivated whatever the situation, and you'll never take breathing for granted again.

Helping Your Anxious Child

The only book on the market dealing specifically with your child's anxiety

Is anxiety making your child's life a misery - causing problems at school, difficulties in making friends or facing new experiences, even affecting their physical health? Anxiety is a curse that can cast a damning spell over your child's life. But there is a solution. Chronic anxiety is a serious problem which may be general, or a specific anxiety about taking exams or doing sums, or a phobia about anything from trains or spiders to eating in public or going to the toilet. It can be treated successfully, and David Lewis offers practical and effective advice to parents of anxious children.  By applying this straightforward advice and by being positive, patient and persistent you can banish anxiety and transform your child into a happy, confident person.

David Lewis

Margaret Leitch

Fat Planet's authors are distinguished researchers who are masters at describing the latest scientific insights in a simple and engaging way. A must read.

Professor Pierre Chandon, Director, Sorbonne INSEAD Behavioural Lab

Fat Planet is a spot-on analysis of the causes of the obesity epidemic, full of fascinating and surprising research evidence demonstrating that most of us can neither recognize nor resist the forces that lead us to eat too much. A recommended read for anyone who wants to make our food environment safer for all.

Deborah A. Cohen, Senior Natural Scientist, RAND Corporation

A provocative and eye-opening examination of the world's obesity crisis. A must read for those wishing to understand the true causes of obesity and what we can do about it.

Hank Cardello, Senior Fellow & Director, Obesity Solutions Initiative, Hudson Institute

The Obesity Trap and How We Can Escape It

Our planet is in the grip of an obesity pandemic. 
 
More than a billion people worldwide are overweight and over 600 million are obese. We live in an obesogenic environment in which it is much easier to get fat than to stay fit. How has this come to be? Who is to blame? What can we do? 
 
In Fat Planet, Dr David Lewis and Dr Margaret Leitch examine the social and psychological causes of the obesity pandemic in order to answer these questions. They use ground-breaking research to highlight the behaviour of corporations that relentlessly promote foods high in sugar, fat and salt, and show that these ‘junk’ foods have shockingly similar neurological effects to hard drugs. They consider the prevalence of food cues which unconsciously stimulate our desire to consume. And they debunk the myths of fad diets and slimming pills, suggesting practical, easily implemented strategies for sustainable weight loss. 
 
The evidence is clear: our problem with obesity must be addressed or we will face catastrophic consequences. It is not too late to change.

Fat Planet

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Praise for Fat Planet

Fat Planet's authors are distinguished researchers who are masters at describing the latest scientific insights in a simple and engaging way. A must read.

Fat Planet is a spot-on analysis of the causes of the obesity epidemic, full of fascinating and surprising research evidence demonstrating that most of us can neither recognize nor resist the forces that lead ...

A provocative and eye-opening examination of the world's obesity crisis. A must read for those wishing to understand the true causes of obesity and what we can do about it.

Fat Planet's authors are distinguished researchers who are masters at describing the latest scientific insights in a simple and engaging way. A must read.

Fat Planet is a spot-on analysis of the causes of the obesity epidemic, full of fascinating and surprising research evidence demonstrating that most of us can neither recognize nor resist the forces that lead ...

A provocative and eye-opening examination of the world's obesity crisis. A must read for those wishing to understand the true causes of obesity and what we can do about it.

Fat Planet's authors are distinguished researchers who are masters at describing the latest scientific insights in a simple and engaging way. A must read.

Fat Planet is a spot-on analysis of the causes of the obesity epidemic, full of fascinating and surprising research evidence demonstrating that most of us can neither recognize nor resist the forces that lead ...

A provocative and eye-opening examination of the world's obesity crisis. A must read for those wishing to understand the true causes of obesity and what we can do about it.

Books by David Lewis

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