Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Sammi Haber Brondo is transforming how we eat, diet, and nourish our bodies as she invites us to practice an “all foods fit” approach to creating a sustainable, realistic diet that will actually have you looking forward to each meal– as you should! Using her Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from NYU, Sammi is breaking decades-old dieting trends that start to look silly as time passes– you know, the ones, like in the 1960s when a cigarette, coffee, and four-ounce steak were ideal for that slim movie-star body. Gone are the days of carbophobia, questioning that second helping, or feeling guilty over the cream in your coffee. Usher in a future where broccoli can reside on the same shelf as your favorite slice of chocolate cake.
Between her delicious breakfast, chasing around her toddler, and crafting her perfect lunch, what is the secret to how Sammi turns down? First and foremost, keeping your day stress-free and enjoyable is the key for Sammi; that includes finding some exercise-inspired “me time” in the morning, screaming “Chrissy, Wake Up!” at the Stranger Things’ gang on the TV, and admiring her closet (as a moment to get away from it all– IYKYK). Scroll down to read about how Sammi keeps her day (and diet) convenient and joyful.
What are your favorite (hidden) oases? Favorite places to be - parks, cities, bars, any place you absolutely adore!
I love being anywhere in nature. The mountains are my ideal favorite oasis but, because I live in NYC, Central Park is a close second!
What oasis is on your bucket list? Travel wishlist!!
Where do I start?! I’d love to go to New Zealand and South Africa. I’ve also never traveled along the PNW in the US and would love to.
What book are you currently unwinding with?
I just finished The Maid by Nita Prose. It was light but also really sweet and heartwarming.
What four songs make up the sound track of your life?
My favorite types of music are Motown, 90’s/early 2000’s music and anything with an Ed Sheeran or Mumford and Sons type vibe. If I had to pick 4 songs, I’d probably pick: Believe by Cher, Get Ready by The Temptations, Budapest by George Ezra and of course, Baby One More Time by the queen, Britney Spears.
What do you wear at home?
It depends! I work from home, so my outfit will range from jeans and a nice top (hi, virtual meetings!) to comfy sweats and a sweatshirt.
Where is your favorite hidden space in your home?
I love my closet. Between my husband and toddler, it’s the one place in my home that I can keep super organized.
What is your personal “turndown routine” that helps you transition from day to night?
I have to tidy up my apartment before I can do anything. Once that’s done, I love to hang on the couch with a book or a TV show to wind down. We’re watching the new season of Stranger Things and it’s so good.
What is something you do just for you?
I usually try to take just 20-30 minutes to exercise in the morning before my daughter wakes up. That “me time” in the morning is so helpful to clear my head and start my day energized.
We’re obsessed with your nutrition philosophy of All Foods Fit! Could you give us an overview of what that means to you and how people can incorporate that into the way they think about food?
Thank you! All foods fit means that all foods are allowed in your diet - anything from broccoli, to pizza, to cookies. We have to eat every day, multiple times per day and I really believe that what we eat should be stress-free and enjoyable. Restricting any food only makes us want that food even more - I strongly believe that a healthy diet can and should include all foods.
What is one thing you wish you knew earlier on about food? Any myths you want to bust for people?
I wish I understood that restriction doesn’t work in the long run. Restricting foods only leads to uncontrollable cravings. With time, allowing all foods lets us eat in the most balanced and enjoyable way possible. Unless you’re allergic to it or avoid it for ethical/religious reasons, there’s no reason to exclude any food from your diet.
Any tips on how to create healthy, easy, weekday meals while working from home (especially with little ones at home)?
I’m big on convenience. Anything that makes your life easier is key when it comes to food. When you’re cooking, make enough for a few meals so that you don’t have to cook every single day. I also love easy, quick staples like pasta, frozen veggie burgers, and ready to go salad kits.
Where can Covers find you online:
Instagram: @veggiesandchocolate
TikTok: @veggiesandchocolate
