Interview with Registered Dietitian Danielle Hamord
I am super excited to share this interview with my close friend and registered dietitian Danielle Hamord. Danielle used to work at F-Factor alongside fiber guru Tanya Zuckerbrot. We became fast friends and Danielle believes in the same healthy lifestyle that I do. She is so knowledgeable on everything nutrition related, so I decided to pick her brain a bit and share this interview with you. Enjoy reading about Danielle and learning all of her tips and tricks on how to maintain a healthy body weight.
Tell Us About Yourself
Name?
Danielle Hamo
Based in?
Between US, London, and Tel Aviv.
What do you do?
I am a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist.
What or who inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I was actually studying to be a pharmacist, but took a nutrition 101 class and fell in love with the field and ended up switching my major from biology to nutrition and dietetics.
What is your food philosophy?
As a lifestyle I don’t cut out any foods, I allow myself and clients to have everything, some things in smaller quantities though. Since I worked for Tanya Zuckerbrot at F-Factor I strongly agree with her motto “fiber and protein at every meal makes losing weight no big deal”.
Food
What is your favorite meal of the day?
Snacks, I’m a big snacker but if I had to choose a meal, then breakfast, especially at a hotel when I’m out of town, I LOVE breakfast buffets.
What is your favorite healthy snack?
Crudités, I actually love fresh crudité. And you can make a healthy dip for it by mixing Greek Yogurt with ranch seasoning packet. Another option is a pink lady apple topped with pb2, chia seeds, and coconut shavings.
What would be your last meal on earth?
My mom’s couscous
What is your favorite cookbook?
It’s in Hebrew – called “abishool amarocai” which translates to “the Moroccan cooking,” it was published forever ago and is a staple in Jewish-Moroccan homes. It was used by by mom and her mom and I actually have their copy which is falling apart.
Nutrition
What is your opinion on dairy products?
The only dairy products that I actually like are Greek Yogurt and cheese. However, at some point I do want to cut dairy out because I don’t think it’s particularly healthy.
What are some ingredients we should avoid?
Obvious ones are food coloring, trans fat, and high-fructose corn syrup. However, instead of avoiding all together I try to limit and eat less of products with a lot of added sugars (tip: if sugar is one of the three first ingredients on the ingredient list since they are written in descending weight order).
Can you take us through a day of your meals?
It always differs because I travel a lot.
Breakfast – I like having plain Greek Yogurt topped with fresh fruit and chia seeds or if I’m eating out I’ll order eggs like shakshuka or eggs with avocado, tomato, and half a slice of whole wheat bread.
Lunch – lentil salad with grilled chicken.
Dinner – I enjoy having tuna tartar or yellowtail carpaccio as a starter and grilled branzino with veggies for my main. I also like arugula, tomato, and Parmesan salad. If I eat at home I will often make zoodles with tomato sauce.
Have you always had a healthy relationship with food?
Yes. Even though I am a registered dietitian by training I don’t have a personal story that got me to this career, I just always loved science.
Do you have any tips for healthier cooking habits?
If you are trying to lose weight you can use an all natural cooking spray instead of oils, since one tablespoon of oil is 130 calories and it can add up quickly. I also bake often instead of pan frying, this not only saves calories but keeps the house from smelling like food!
What is your advice for those who struggle to eat healthy?
– Make small goals, and check in with yourself weekly.
– Keep a food journal, and review it weekly. Studied show that people who keep a food journal eat healthier.
– Work with a Registered Dietitian. Having someone to keep you motivated and on track is really helpful, plus sometimes I see clients that think they are eating healthy but actually have a lot of room for improvement because they are making some hard to spot mistakes.
– Plan ahead. On Sundays it’s good to plan the week ahead and make sure you have healthy foods on hand, otherwise when you are hungry you will have a harder time making the right decision.
What do you consider a healthy power bar?
I always try to choose a bar that has both fiber and protein. This will ensure the bar will keep you fuller for longer. Most bars will either be too high in sugars or only contain protein. The ones I like are Raw Rev Glo bars, and No Cow bar.
Restaurants
Favorite restaurant where you live?
La Petite Masion and Nobu
Top three restaurants in the world?
Ha Salon in Tel Aviv restaurant by chef Eyal Shani who personally cooks there on the 2 nights a week it’s open, Carbone in NYC, La Petite Maison in Nice
Best place for date night?
The terrace at Annabel’s Mayfair.
Any health tips when ordering?
Prior to eating out look up the menu of the restaurant and pick a healthy option. Then order first so you are not swayed. I learned this trick at my time in F-Factor and found it really helped clients. Also, if it’s an option, ask the waiter not to bring the bread to the table. I try to start my meal with a broth based soup or salad with dressing on the side and share a main dish and dessert.
Workout
What does your workout schedule look like?
I actually have 2 herniated disks and don’t work out that much. I relay more on what I eat for health and I try to work out once to twice a week by doing a group class, and I walk around London and New York City a lot, I try to do 7,000-10,000 steps a day.
Favorite workout class where you live?
Barry’s boot camp double floor.
What motivates you to get moving?
It’s hard for me to get motivated but if I prepay for a class or make a plan with a friend then I’ll show up.
Favorite athletic wear?
Ultracore makes your butt look so good and Lululemon.
Fashion
Favorite designer?
Ummm too hard to name just one. I love everything on the Saint Laurent runway and wish I could afford to have it all.
Must have handbag?
Any Chanel is always a good classic that will last forever but I’m wearing a lot of my Mark Cross to handle grace box lately.
Favorite shoes?
Gianvito Rossi.
What is your favorite item in your closet?
I feel like I never have anything to wear, but these new Louis Vuitton boots I got for winter are on repeat lately and girlfriend denim jeans are always on.
Websites you like to shop at?
Good return policy and fast shipping is a must so Net a Porter, Intermix, Revolve.
Beauty
Name one beauty secret?
SPF hand cream and vitamin C serum before bedtime.
What products are you loving right now?
Vitamin C from The Ordinary, it’s very affordable and I mix it in with my Skinceuticals Serum.
Is there a spa or holistic treatment you swear by?
Light chemical peels (not the kind that makes your whole face peel, it’s a milder version,) my friend and skin expert Liz Kennedy introduced me to it and I am obsessed.
Who is your beauty inspiration?
Kardashians, Lol but they look so good and Kim and Kourtney are reaching 40. Love their makeup, I even went to a make up by Mario master class.
Travel
Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere in Italy like Capri, Sardinia or Portofino. I also prefer destinations where I can have romantic nights but also good day party brunches like in Mykonos or South of France.
Favorite hotels in the world?
Alpina in Gstaad in Switzerland, and any Belmond.
How do you stay healthy while traveling?
Pack a few essentials, like Raw Rev Glo bar. Have a healthy breakfast that’s always very easy to do in the hotel and it sets your day up for success. Choose mostly seafood and veggies for dinner. Keep pasta, pizza, and desserts for lunch and also share those dishes with the table.
What’s your bucket list travel destination?
Japan and Maldives, still haven’t been!
Fun
Favorite book?
Favorite movie?
Cruel Intentions and Wolf of Wall Street
Favorite tv series?
Friends all the way! Best thing ever made
Favorite podcast?
I don’t listen to any regularly but The Skinny Confidential one is great
Favorite instagram?
Where To Find You
Instagram – @daniellehamord (work- nutrition) and @danielle_ham (personal)
Facebook – Daniella Hamo
Leave a Reply
