The Debut of Linda C Banks

Nutrition & Self AwarenessHello and welcome to my Linda C Banks new website. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and check it out.  I hope you find it easy to navigate and enjoy reading through the pages.  I am excited to showcase my services as well as an expanded range of public speaking services. The list includes customized seminars, workshops, lectures and keynote speaking.  Individual services feature nutrition, hypnotherapy, guided imagery, subtle energy work and the leading-edge Beyond Weight Loss personalized program.

One of the biggest challenges in developing the website was how to let you know, in a nutshell, what it is I do. The nutrition aspect is obvious, but a mere tip of the iceberg,
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Nutrition Overview: The Big Picture

There are literally thousands of books, magazines, and web- based resources  about food and nutrition – from textbooks and professional journals, to popular books and magazine articles. There is something for everyone’s level of interest.  While the span of available nutrition information is helpful the often conflicting messages presented in the media for public consumption, combined with the fragmented approach to nutrition (as well as medicine) leaves people with an incomplete picture about nutrition and food.  In addition to knowing the nutritional value of foods it is essential to also have an understanding of how food “behaves” in the body, i.e. what happens after you swallow – how what and when you eat affects your entire physiology from moods, sleep and energy to cravings and ability to achieve an appropriate body size; in other words, the “big picture”. If you would like to learn more – then grab your favorite beverage and read on…
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Carbohydrates: Looking through a New Lens

Glycemic index graph shows how rapidly a carbohydrate converts to blood glucose.

The popularity of the low carb diet was superseded almost a decade ago by the emergence of the Mediterranean eating pattern. Nevertheless many people continue to fearful about eating this necessary nutrient group and express interest in knowing a bit more about them.  This blog article is intended to be a relatively quick and easy read to add to your existing bank of nutrition knowledge.

Carbohydrates serve many roles in the human body; however, the primarily role is supplying a steady source of fuel. Consuming too many carbohydrates to meet energy requirements, or choosing a poor quality carbohydrate such as white bread or sugar cookies, or consuming rapidly digesting carbohydrates such as a large glass of orange juice can set the stage for chronic health problems, food cravings, low energy, low moods, poor sleep and ….yes, weight gain. Continue reading →

Medicine, Health and Healing: The Changing Paradigm

The problems that exist in the world today
cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them.
–Albert Einstein

There is rarely a day goes by when we don’t hear a complaint about the healthcare system. While we can probably all agree that the system is in need of major change, a closer look reveals that the majority of illnesses prevalent today are directly linked to lifestyle choices. According to the Center for Disease Control, “the profile of diseases contributing most heavily to death, illness, and disability among Americans—such as cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke), cancer, and diabetes—are among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems.”

With a predominance of lifestyle-related illness surely the question becomes, not what’s wrong with the system, rather, what can we do to help the system? How can we each take more responsibility for our own health and well-being and not contribute to the already overburdened healthcare system? Continue reading →

Five things for a Brighter Day

Do you want to have a better day? With the seasonal changes to shorter and darker days many people experience low moods and less energy; this year take steps to stay ahead so you can enjoy all the beauty and natural wonder that seasonal changes bring. Here are 5 things you can do to increase serotonin levels and uplift your spirits.

  1. Find things to appreciate, make daily lists of things to appreciate
  2. Notice acts of kindness – research shows that whether you are the one being kind or witnessing an act of kindness your serotonin levels naturally increase
  3. Give or receive a hug, or get a massage – the gift of touch also increases serotonin levels
  4. Invest in a sunlight lamp – about 15 minutes daily is all you need to increase serotonin
  5. Avoid those tempting sugary foods – when you need a boost of energy instead of cookies have a handful of nuts.

This year, tell yourself “You Can Do It!