Plant Sumo Interviews - summer yule

Summer Yule

Summer Yule, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian and the recipe developer behind SummerYule.com She holds a degree in biological sciences from Cornell University, and a Master’s in Health Promotion from the University of Connecticut. When Summer is not whipping up delicious food in the kitchen, she enjoys spending time hiking with her family around Connecticut and other parts of New England.

What Is The Book (Or Books) You’ve Given Most As A Gift, And Why?

Lily Nichol's "Real Food for Pregnancy" is a wonderful gift for young women who want to start a family in the future. There are a lot of opinions regarding optimal prenatal nutrition. Nichol's is a registered dietitian who backs up what she is saying with the science behind it. I wish this book was available back when I was pregnant with my son! It contains a treasure trove of important nutritional information and I would consider it a must-read. I recommend it to everyone.

When You Feel Overwhelmed Or Unfocused, Or Have Lost Your Focus Temporarily, What Do You Do?

I try to take a break from the task where I have lost focus and go outside. Taking a brisk walk (even in poor weather) helps me to clear my head and destress. There's something about the combination of fresh air and exercise that helps me get back on task more easily.

Tell us about your business. What does it do and what value do you add?

I run Summer Yule Nutrition, a dietitian-created recipe resource that will help you live a happy, healthy, and delicious life! I provide information on nutrition and healthy weight management with each dish, but I think the recipes are tasty and diverse enough that there is a little something for everyone, whether they have a weight loss goal or not.

What's your favourite vegetable?

I seem to discover a new favorite veggie every week! Lately I have been enjoying koginut squash, which is a cross between butternut and kabocha squashes. I'm also completely in love with these air fryer jicama fries:
https://summeryule.com/air-fryer-jicama-fries-with-cilantro-lime-dipping-sauce/

What are you NOT Very Good at?

I am a complete klutz and have always had a lot of trouble with activities involving balance. Roller skating and ice skating have always been extremely challenging to me!

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

I had some of my famous breakfast banana cookies this morning, along with Greek yogurt. The "cookie" recipe happens to be whole foods, plant based with no added sugar, no oil, and no refined grains. Here's the recipe: https://summeryule.com/back-to-school-breakfast-cookies-no-flour-no-sugar/

What's your favourite vegan meal?

I am completely biased here, but my vegan burrito bowl with citrus-smoked tofu is AH-MAZING. I'll teach you to smoke your own tofu and use it to create the most fabulous bowl of burrito deliciousness around, no animal-based ingredients required. Here it is: https://summeryule.com/vegan-burrito-bowl-recipe-with-citrus-smoked-tofu/
Be sure to let me know if you try it!

What Careers Advice Would You Give To Your 21-Year Old Self?

Study the topics that you love and are passionate about, rather than what others think you should be doing. I went back to school to get a graduate degree in my late 30s in health promotion, but I wish I did it sooner!

What Is A 'Hack' You Have For Success That Most People Don't Know About?

I don't know how much of a secret hack this is, but I stack my weekly errands to save a lot of time. I think if you live in a more suburban/rural area as I do, only having to make the trip into town once per week can be a huge time-saver.

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

I got a deal on an air fryer oven about a year ago and I use it all the time to make quick and healthy meals. It has truly been a game changer for me! The one I use is a 10-Quart Kalorik Digital Air Fryer Oven. It's currently around $100 but I got it for around $60. One of the things I love it for is this air fryer carrots recipe.
https://summeryule.com/air-fryer-carrots-with-herbs-tahini-and-pomegranate-seeds/

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

The time and energy I've invested into my website (summeryule.com) has been hugely worth it. I love receiving messages from people that I've helped them on their own health journey, or that they love a certain recipe from the site. It truly makes my day. I am so thankful that I am earning money doing what I love and helping others!

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).