Questions and answers from a recent interview on the launch of my book.
What inspired you to write this book?
Several factors were involved in getting me to actually putting this together. First, is my blog which I’ve been writing for the past 6 years. Second, is my two professions, worksite wellness consultant and Pilates’ studio owner. Third, is an overwhelming desire to show individuals that being healthy doesn’t need to be complicated.
Talk about those points.
Square1Wellness: My first blog piece in April of 2012 was titled “Let Change the Conversation.” In it I advocate for a ban on talking about diet and losing weight. For many individuals, this is still a radical idea. In my work, I’ve found that the constant chatter about calories, eating too much, diet restrictions and endless guilt conversations around food isn’t in our best interest. I feel we lose the ability to enjoy the pleasures of sharing food with friends and family when the talk is all around diet. As an individual who lived close to 18 years in Europe that is something that is not common there. While maybe things have changed since my time there is it in general much less prevalent. And that’s weird if you think about it. European countries are by most standards healthier than us here in the US, maybe we need to rethink our approach to health.
My professions: As an individual who assists (consults) companies and individuals in worksite wellness a very common criticism is: Being healthy is complicated. Personally, I think organizations have put undue stress on individuals as well as corporations by making “being healthy” some type of complex science experiment. What I’ve tried to do in the book is break down the mystery, bring it back to the basics and inspire a no-nonsense approach to lifestyle. As concerns my second profession: owning a Pilates’ studio, I’ve always tried to be straightforward to clients about questions related to fitness and health. Writing a book offered a great opportunity to have something tangible and honest to support clients and companies.
Tell us a little about the book.
The book is divided into 3 main sections: Food Philosophy, Exercise Essentials and Mindset. Woven throughout the book are Personal Notes, the how I tackle this piece myself. Advice in my opinion is only good if you can show some concrete examples of what you actually mean. In the exercise portion of the book each section has a “What can I do?” with realistic steps on how to get going. There are several additional components such as a recipe section, weekly meal plans, anatomy glossary, recommended book section and others.
Are there particular individuals who inspired you along the way?
I’ve been very lucky to have a wide assortment of role models throughout my life who are truly inspirational. For starters my family, Dad, Mom and brother. Dad (Coach Hanks) was a successful basketball coach at the high school and college level for decades. A disciplined, dedicated, competitive man who strove to be the best he could be every day. He also loved his work and something I still think about him saying is every day he woke up he looked forward to going to work, even when times were tough. He always said: You gotta love what you do or find something else in life. Mom, was a very different bird and personality. She brought the artistic side into the house, self-taught seamstress, cook and interior design talents. Brother Mike, was the ultimate in big brother, supportive, encouraging and a super role model. He works hard, disciplined about fitness and never loses sight that life is about the simple pleasures, such as spending time with friends. In the book I elaborate on influential role-models and other forces of inspiration in my life.
How would someone use this book?
It’s intended as roadmap or guide. I hear often from clients that they easily get pulled off track and have a hard time sticking with their plans. The book makes the case for simplicity with easy to apply tools for staying on track in a no-nonsense format.
Who is your target audience?
The main target group is 50+, however I’ve heard from many younger individuals that they have found it helpful to getting on a sustainable lifestyle path.
How does this book differ from any other diet or lifestyle book?
It’s practical and can be put into action right away. All three elements, food philosophy, exercise essentials and mindset provide a structure for you the individual to create your own lifestyle sanity. It offers a framework to come back to and utilize throughout your journey. It is not a do this don’t do that, but a support system that can be there when you need it.
Any last thoughts?
As I state at the end of the book: Take one piece or many from the guidebook and adapt it to your own needs and goals. There will be constant forces trying to pull you off your path, but stick with it and don’t forget to keep a sense of humor!
P.S. I’d love to hear your feedback once you’ve read it!
Where can I order the book?
Krisna Lee Hanks has spoken from the heart to share her wisdom and experience about promoting personal health. ‘Finding Lifestyle Sanity’ stands out in it’s simple and direct approach to leading a healthier lifestyle. Yet what is most impressive is it’s invitation to self-empowerment through recognizing that each of us is unique in our needs and routines, and that there is no one-size-fits all solution to getting into better shape and taking care of ourselves. By shifting the focus on what we need to perform well in daily life instead of how society thinks we should look, eat and entertain ourselves, Krisna helps us to restore value to life’s small pleasures and to gain confidence in our ability to take charge of our personal health and wellness. An inspiring read!
Wow, really great to hear Lisa, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on the book. Thrilled that it speaks to self-empowerment, it’s truly the key. There is such pressure these days to fit in a defined “health box” maybe the more we encourage self-creativity and simplicity maybe the higher the success rate? Really appreciate your insight as an experienced executive coach and leader.