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Valerie J. Berkowitz, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., C.D.E., is a licensed registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified lifestyle counselor practicing for over 20years. She is author of “The Stubborn Fat Fix” and the Director of Nutrition at the Center for Balanced Health, www.centerforbalancedhealth.com. Valerie writes about her nutrition perspectives on her blog Valerie’s Voice: For The Health Of It, valerieberkowitz.wordpress.com or on twitter, @nutritionnohow.  Valerie and her work have been featured in Prevention and Men’s Health magazines and she has been interviewed in numerous media outlets.  

Thank you Valerie for answering a few questions for us! Please tell us about your latest project.
 
My first book, “The Stubborn Fat Fix” was just recently released. So as you can imagine this is very exciting for me. It was difficult to create a diet book that was unique but I tried to write the book from the standpoint of empowering the reader to make better food choices. Many diet books are written by an expert who instructs the reader to follow a certain way of eating.
 
I set the book up so that readers answer questions to identify underlying causes for unsuccessful weight loss and then provide nutritional and lifestyle solutions that will get them on the right track to weight loss and better health. So the reader chooses the solutions (diet, supplements, exercise, rest, communication with others) that are specific to the individuals’ specific need.
 
Many times stubborn fat that just won’t come off is caused by one or more conditions; we identify as “metabolic disadvantages”, due to health and stress disorders that affect: the thyroid, hormones (men and women), blood sugar and insulin, candida and many others.  When you find the right balance for your life many times everything else falls into place.
 
Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?
 
Yes, I educate and motivate people who live with diabetes on simple ways to stay healthy and eat foods that will help them improve quality of life.  Previously I lectured across the country in health food stores about diet and supplements.
 
How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has your writing success helped you in your profession?
 
I think the combination of my ability to think out of the box, my educational background and my practice in complementary medicine practice help me produce interesting topics that get people thinking.
 
Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?
 
The most important way for my clients to achieve success is have them find solutions for themselves.  When I write I try to get people to think for themselves, ask questions and communicate with others.
 
What will your next project be?
 
Now I’m still growing, “The Stubborn Fat Fix”, my 4th child.  I have a few ideas for my next project that will shine some light on health and wellness from a different angle.  
 
Who inspires you on a personal or business level?
 
I try to be inspired by as many people as possible. When you take the time to listen to others, you can find a lot of inspiration and motivation to do whatever you wish to do. There are so many people who have started with nothing and have built something, big and small, a career, a stable home environment, a business. It’s important to recognize positive attitude and perseverance as necessities to success.
 
What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?
 
Being a mom, there is nothing more important to me than helping my children grow and enjoy life.  Laughing with my kids is the most enjoyable thing I do and watching them learn and achieve are the most satisfying experiences in my life.  
 
What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?
 
Being a writer is more than just writing, you need to be able to market yourself too. Use social media to build a following and promote yourself as a person first writer second.
 
How did you get started as a writer?
 
I helped someone lose weight; his boss was impressed with the approach and asked if I was interested in writing a book.
 
What sparked your passion for writing?
 
The spark is helping others. Writing a book has always been a dream because when it comes to nutrition and health I do not follow the herd. My alternative nutrition approach is simple and practical and it helps people who have not had success with other diets. Distance is always a barrier, I believe that sharing my experiences about food choices, nutrition and health by writing helps disseminate information on a larger scale than just in the office.
 
What types of books do you enjoy reading when you are not writing?
 
I like humor it relaxes me. I still remember a book by Erma Bombeck called, “If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries What Am I Doing in The Pits?” I also enjoy reading Drama and action thrillers.
 
Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself? :)
 
The Love Train by the O’Jays

Thank you Valerie! Congratulations on your first book The Stubborn Fat Fix!