Talking Books with Lisa Tillinger Johansen, author of 'Stop the Diet, I Want to Get Off!

LISA TILLINGER JOHANSEN, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian who counsels clients on a wide range of health issues. Her debut nutrition book, Fast Food Vindication, received the Discovery Award (sponsored by USA Today, Kirkus and The Huffington Post).  She lives in Southern California.

Her latest book is the nonfiction/nutrution/health book, Stop the Diet, I Want To Get Off!

For More Information

• Visit Lisa Tillinger Johansen’s websites – Stop the Diet, Consult the Dietician and Fast Food Vindication.
• Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Twitter.

Can you tell us what your book, Stop the Diet, I Want to Get Off! is about?

Stop The Diet, I Want To Get Off! examines the pros and cons of many popular diets and ultimately provides a healthy eating plan for life.

Why did you write your book?

I wrote Stop The Diet, I Want To Get Off! because of all the fad and bad diets many of us try. More often than not, we don’t achieve long-term weight loss. And some of these diets may even be harmful to our health. My goal with Stop The Diet, I Want To Get Off! is to educate the reader with scientifically backed evidence about many of these diets and to help them choose a healthy eating path. I want to help people learn to eat balanced, nutritious meals and avoid restrictive dieting.

What kind of message is your book trying to tell your readers?

Avoid fad diets and just eat healthy, balanced meals. And, of course, include regular exercise most days of the week. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating nutritious foods can help us prevent and manage disease and may lead to longer lives.

Which author(s) do you admire?

I admire both my husband Roy Johansen and my mother-in-law Iris Johansen because they’re fantastic writers who’ve achieved success. And a special shout out to my wonderful hubby for his help and support with my books.

What would you do with an extra hour today if you could do anything you wanted?

This may not be an answer you often hear to this question, but I’d probably karaoke. I love to sing and have a karaoke machine at home. Singing makes me happy, as would an extra hour today!

Which holiday is your favorite and why?

Thanksgiving has and always will be my most favorite. I enjoy holidays that don’t involve gift giving, where family and friends just gather together and enjoy each other’s company. And, of course, I certainly enjoy the food. I’ve even managed to sneak in healthier versions of classic Thanksgiving dishes and everyone loves them!

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to read and always have a book nearby. I also love to go to the movies, theater and concerts. A big passion of mine is travel and my husband and I have been all over the world. Next up for us is Iceland and Norway. I can’t wait!

Can you tell us about your family?

I’ve mentioned that I married into a writing family, my mystery/thriller writing husband and mother-in-law. My husband and I have been married for 21 years and have two adorable dogs. One’s a pug and the other a chihuahua, rat terrier mix. I call them my fur babies.

What kind of advice would you give other non-fiction authors?

Know your topic inside and out. Be thorough in your research, even if you’re an expert on the subject. And write in a friendly tone that is on a layman’s level.