If there is one quality that shone through the creative process of bringing this beautiful book to light, it would be courage. That’s what it took, and then some, for Tanya to overcome the challenges she has faced with sugar addiction. How brave it was of Tanya to decide to tell her story and share it so publicly through this, her very first book, Cookie Dough in the Dark – A Journey to Vibrant Health.

Tanya shares her experiences in a way that is relatable and speaks to the heart of the reader. And further, she actively shows people who may be in their own darkness because of food or another addiction, how they too can survive and thrive. Her Action Steps to success are clear and achievable, and the outcome is being able to live a more positive life with vibrant health.

Enjoy my interview with Tanya:

What inspired you to write this book?

It was therapeutic to write down what was going on in my head. I needed to heal and this was one way to move through the pain.

I also wanted to tell my story because so many women I have chatted with and trained over the years wanted answers. It’s easy to get swept away thinking that it’s easy to break free from food and sugar addiction because we live in this instant gratification world. We are led to believe that we can attain quick results but what’s missing is lasting results and frankly, that’s what matters. It’s not a simple switch that’s flicked easily; change is often difficult, but it can be done when you identify with the challenges of others and what they went through. I struggled with my weight, health, and addiction. I knew my behaviours didn’t serve me anymore yet I kept doing them. Why? Therein lies the journey and the path I took, with lots of bumps and detours . . . but much better for it. 

What do you want others to gain from your book?

That you are not alone. I often felt alone. Shameful and vulnerable. Confused. I felt that some advice was too much for me to hear, and that most people simply took a particular action and then life was perfect.

I love books that share a journey and show the pain that it takes to make changes. It’s these books that have comforted me as I have moved through my own journey; and I hope that readers can find some shifts that work for them with whatever addiction they are working through.

What was your creative process for this project?

I wanted to keep the voice as close to mine in my head. It wasn’t always pretty, yet I wanted to stay real. I just let the words flow as they did over many years . . .

I have wondered at times whether it’s really worth all the work? Then I quickly remember how sick, depressed, lethargic, and bloated I felt, not to mention how grumpy I could be. So I keep reading, learning, applying, and reminding myself that everything I do to keep myself healthy, centered, calm, and free from insane bouts of eating is absolutely worth it. YES IT IS, without a doubt!

Why did you choose the story-telling format you used?

I love reading about people and their life experiences. It gives me motivation and comfort. I wanted to convey the same message about my journey and what worked for me.

What’s next for you as an author?

I want to share my story using this book, in part by doing interactive talks and workshops, to meaningfully connect with people in a way that matters most to them. I know that I am not alone in having an addiction. A real human voice is critical in my opinion, especially in these times—to educate and empower others—to help them move out of the haze of sugar and food addiction and heal the deeper issues like habits and thought patterns that are the key to long-lasting change.

In a way, this book could keep going forever. It was hard to stop because this journey is never-ending. Everything can be going along so smoothly and then something happens, I’m thrown off my routine.

I am so thankful that my life led me to be a personal trainer and health coach because without it I’m not sure where I’d be. It is definitely an effort to consistently workout and eat healthily. But I love it. I love what I do and I love inspiring people to make the changes they need to make to feel fabulous. I want people to know that they can heal themselves with patience, love, and simple shifts. 

Warmest congratulations, Tanya, and thank you for the courage to shine through your own darkness; in doing so, you light the path of others. The ripple effect of your message and teachings will have a lasting impact to all who pick up Cookie Dough in the Dark and embrace your words. Don’t forget to visit the I C Bookstore to get your copy. Available in paperback and e-book.

Best Regards,

Sheri Andrunyk

 

I C Publishing & Consulting / I C Bookstore

Committed to Quality Content, Design, and Platform

Bridging the gap between self and traditional publishing

Coaching and mentoring in business for over 30 years