Plant Sumo Interviews - ryan drozd

Ryan Drozd

Ryan is passionate about nutrition and believes that illness is often a direct result of the food we put in our bodies daily. His fascination with learning, healing, and soul-centered work led him to complete a variety of certifications over the years including his RYT-200, NASM Certified Nutrition Coach, and NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. He enjoys walking outside, short hikes, gentle yoga, and asking to pet stranger’s dogs.

Checkout Ryan’s: LinkedIn, InstagramEmail

What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why?

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I have read it about ten times cover to cover. I gained a lot of valuable insight about being present and focusing on "being" rather than always "doing". I bought multiple copies and gave them to my friends and family, they probably thought I was losing it! I also highly recommend The Untethered Soul.

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

That the present moment is all we have. Many of us would like to plan out our 5-10 years in advance but we cannot predict what life has in store for us. Enjoying the present is so important.

If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it — what would it say and why?

Be kind to yourself and be kind to others. We are doing the best we can with what we have for the time that we are here.

What's your favourite colour?

Dark green.

What's your favourite vegetable?

Cauliflower or broccoli depending on the day and how it's prepared. Roasted

What's a myth about fitness that you most people believe to be true that's actually false

I think most people believe that if they exercise 3-5x a week they will lose weight and get into good shape. Exercise definitely helps improve overall health but without dietary changes weight usually remains the same. Weight loss starts by being in a caloric deficit and eating the right foods is the best way to achieve that.

What's the most underrated type of exercise in your opinion?

Stretching, yoga, meditation

What is the most surprising thing you've seen in your industry?

The many wyas dietitians can have an impact. I continue to learn more every day.

What Purchase Of £/$100 Or Less Has Most Positively Impacted Your Life In The Last Six Months?

XXL Husband Pillow on Amazon, it's the best $80 I've spent in a while. I use it to prop myself up while reading in bed and it's super comfortable. I think it's perfect for those who love to read or do late night studying in bed.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

Fad dieting and crash course deprivation diets. Very low calorie diets have been proven ineffective time and time again yet they continue to show up. These diets cannot be followed by the general population and are unsustainable long-term.

What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?

Investing in my own education. Investing in yourself will always have the greatest returns because you gain valuable skills that stay with you for life. Other investments may not always pay out but whatever time, money, and energy spent on yourself is always worthwhile.

What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the “real world”? What advice should they ignore?

Pick a field that excites you and that you can see yourself falling in love with. This may not be the career you stick with but it should be something you look forward to most days. Chasing a career for monetary gain will only lead to resentment and unhappiness. I have heard this story many times from past colleagues and clients alike. Doing what you love or working toward it should always be the end goal.

What careers advice would you give to your 21-year old self?

Pursue what excites you not what seems most practical at the time.

What's your star sign?

Gemini.

About the Author

Heather-PS

Heather Wilkinson is a globe-trotting content creator and PR enthusiast who’s finally put down roots in her native UK. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her pretending to care about Minecraft for her son’s sake, while secretly reading the latest Ace Atkins novel (or sleeping – her second favourite past-time).