Interview with Justin Janoska

Author of The Flexible Dieting Disaster: Why Counting Macros Is Destroying Your Relationship With Food And Yourself: A Simple Guide On What To Do Instead

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

New Jersey. I live in Dallas, TX now.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I left NJ because I always wanted to live in L.A. and I did that for two years, but realized it wasn’t my place. Dallas felt home to me when I visited one day and I knew someday I would end up there. I just didn’t know when. I wasn’t happy anymore in Santa Monica and my intuition was pulling me to leave, so within a week I packed up my stuff I moved to Dallas without telling anyone. When people ask why I chose Dallas, I always say, “because I felt like it.” It was the best decision I ever made.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I did it because the fitness industry needed it. Between eating disorders, orthorexia, anorexia, binging, disorders eating, body dysmorphia and body image dissatisfaction, there’s a lot of dysfunction that is going on and it greatly affects young women who are new to the dieting and exercise culture. I work with a lot of women who have these conditions and my intention was to shed light on the different causes for why they happen that people aren’t thinking about. And to also provide a solution as to how to begin reversing these problems.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

It’s an easy read that would be appealing to people who have a history of disordered eating, eating disorders, childhood trauma or chronic disease. Despite the title, someone who is suffering with autoimmune disease, cancer or unexplained symptoms would find value within this as the principles still apply. Much of these ailments relate to similar root causes that I am drawing out here, like adverse childhood or adult events. The book is intended awaken readers to look at their own life and galvanize them to take action.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Women mostly between the ages of 18-30 and perhaps even outside of this age range for those who want answers to stop obsessing about food, dieting and body image, and also learning about why they do. Also, women who have chronic health issues, like autoimmune disease and want to explore some of the hidden root factors that often underpin it.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Well, it was much harder to see come to fruition than I expected. But on a personal note, I was pleasantly surprised to see the deeper meaning behind why I do what I do – helping women with chronic autoimmune disease and disorders. Writing the book allowed me to see the 30,000 foot view that encapsulates my purpose.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Don’t procrastinate. I had a lot of start-stop moments writing this. Mostly because it wasn’t a huge priority at the time, but the rough draft came out pretty scattered and not very fluid because I had kept adding in new ideas, leaving and then coming back to it later.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

1 million

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I would say truly knowing what people think about it… Not everyone on social media is really vocal about their thoughts, but I wish I had a better idea of what people’s reactions are to it. So far it’s been good, but I also would not mind to hear about negative comments so I can also gain more attention.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing is my biggest strength I think. Marketing is second since I do that daily with my business.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Publishing is definitely my weakest as I know nothing about it. I had to outsource the task.

When do you think you will write your next book?

3-4 years from now. It has to be at at time when I feel I have enough material and client experience/case studies to use in the book.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self-Published