Interview with Dr. Gordon Fimreite, Author of 15 Steps to Healthy Living

Apr. 6, 2018

I was privileged to invite Dr. Gordon Fimreite for an interview with BooKecCenTric to discuss his latest book15 Steps to Healthy Living. Enjoy!


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Thanks for your time today, @DrGordonFimreite. What's your book about, and what inspired you to write it?
@DrGordonFimreite: 15 Steps to Healthy Living incorporates many facets of health and well being including healthy eating, diet, optimizing nutrition, living longer, weight loss, dieting tips, mindfulness and brain health.  I was inspired, in part, by my 105-year-old grandmother’s lifestyle. 

I open my book with my healthy grandmother who lived to the age of 105 – healthy and happy: It’s fascinating how much the way she lived her life parallels what research studies are showing to contribute to healthy living and longevity. She ate nutritious foods, exercised, spent time in the sun to get her needed vitamin D, relaxed to handle stress, socialized, enjoyed humor, and had a purpose for living through her faith in God. Unfortunately, not everyone has my grandmother’s wisdom. Many people today eat poorly, exercise rarely, spend more time passively in front of a screen than actively doing mind games, socialize more on Facebook than out in the community, and lack purpose in their lives. Nor does everyone feel motivated to turn their lives around to a healthy lifestyle. This really hit home when I began giving speeches. People would share how difficult, even overwhelming it was to begin healthy habits and stick with them. During one of my speeches, someone yelled, "You have to die of something!" The audience burst into laughter. I thought I was passionately sharing ways to change daily habits and optimize health and add to a longer, more vibrant life. In truth I was overwhelming the audience with healthy tips and health concepts. Little wonder all they could think of was, "I can't give up my coffee" or "I can't give up my pastries and sweets," worried that there would be nothing left to eat to gratify their taste buds or their emotions. After the outburst and having lost my audience, I changed my approach. In future talks, I would say, “It is true we can't live forever. But if you and your loved ones can extend life 5, 10, or even 20 years and rid the feeling of constantly being sick and running to doctors, what’s that worth?"

Who is your target audience, and why do you think this book will appeal to them?
@DrGordonFimreite: This book is really for anyone looking for motivation and adaptable strategies to positively influence their health (body and mind). It's easy to read and can be a resource to those who are already living a healthy lifestyle or can be a source to those looking to start their health journey.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
@DrGordonFimreite: The most difficult part of writing this book was organizing it and having a general goal for the reader. I didn't want the readers to become bored or overwhelmed with facts and complex strategies. I wanted simple concepts and stories so the knowledge would stick and anyone could start and continue a healthy lifestyle. Each chapter starts and ends with the take home points.

As a writer, is there anything you've learned about yourself while writing this book?
@DrGordonFimreite: The book was a process (much like developing healthy habits) so I learned how to be patient and enjoy the process. One of the most exciting things I experienced while writing the book was ideas would constantly enter my mind. At times I was on a writers high and couldn't write fast enough. It was such a fun and exhilarating process. My personal hobby and career revolves around health. I was in my element so it was a very special process.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books, and why?  
@DrGordonFimreite: I grew up reading paper/hard back books, but started reading Kindle because of the convenience of it and haven't looked back. I find it easier pulling out my Kindle and start reading where I left off regardless of how many books I'm currently reading.

What is your niche genre, and if you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
@DrGordonFimreite: The genre I prefer reading is health, wellness and self help books. If I was to write in another genre it would be an inspiring story of someone who succeeded in life with an extraordinary or challenging circumstance. 

What books and authors have most influenced you?
@DrGordonFimreite: I prefer reading different authors to get different perspectives, viewpoints and ideas.

Do you have any more books in the works?
@DrGordonFimreite: I'm currently focused on my wellness practice, but I'm sure I'll venture to my next project before too long... stay tuned.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
@DrGordonFimreite: I do read my reviews. I'm curious how others have related to my book and what they have to say. The only control you have is to do your best and focus on the positive. If you can learn from a negative, then that's a bonus. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, experiences and upbringings. You can't please everyone and you can't take reviews personally, you can just do your best.

What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, Goodreads, etc.)?
@DrGordonFimreite: Below are my website and social media sites: 

WEBSITE: www.drfimreite.com/15stepstohealthyliving
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/15StepsToHealthyLiving
GOODREADS/BLOG: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17387766.Gordon_Fimreite/blog
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Dr. Gordon Fimreite is a wellness practitioner, author and speaker based in Chicago, IL. His work's mission is to help every individual live a fuller, happier, and more productive life through the natural healing powers from within. Dr. Fimreite has a passion for the human structure and function and inspires others on ways to optimize their health potential.

Website link:
www.drfimreite.com/15stepstohealthyliving