Brooks Nader, the stunning cover girl from Sports Illustrated 2023, is admired not only for her looks but also for her fitness and healthy lifestyle. Here, she shares her fitness and diet secrets, reflecting her dedication to wellness and balance.
1. Finding Balance with Food: No More Fad Diets
Brooks admits that she’s tried many different diets over the years, but it took time for her to find a balanced approach that truly worked. “I don’t really restrict myself too hard in terms of diet,” she explains, adding that she’s finally found a routine that makes her feel her best. Rather than strict diets, she focuses on moderation and enjoys various foods without guilt.
2. Enjoying Indulgences, but Cutting Back Before a Shoot
Nader is open about her love for treats, especially margaritas and chocolate. But when she has an important shoot coming up, she cuts out these indulgences a few days in advance to feel her best. She finds that skipping her favorite guilty pleasures helps her be in a positive headspace, both physically and mentally.
3. Starting Her Day Right with a Hearty Breakfast
Breakfast is essential for Brooks, and she loves kicking off her day with a satisfying meal. “I live in New York, so I love a good bagel,” she says, sharing her go-to choice of an egg sandwich with bacon. Brooks also prefers CELSIUS over coffee in the morning to boost her energy.
4. Keeping Lunch Light with Protein-Packed Choices
Lunch is typically light for Brooks. She opts for protein-rich options like a Mediterranean bowl, salad, chicken, or salmon. By keeping lunch lighter, she feels energized without feeling weighed down, and it allows her to fuel up without losing focus.
5. Dinner Time Means Sushi Time
When it’s time for dinner, Brooks usually reaches for sushi. Growing up in Louisiana, her first experience with sushi was limited, but now it’s become a favorite. She enjoys a range of options, from classic rolls to salmon nigiri, and admits she’d happily eat sushi every day.
6. Boxing as a Go-To Workout
Boxing has become a staple in Brooks’s fitness routine. She trains two to three times a week, working with her trainer Rob Piela at Gotham Gym in New York. Initially drawn to boxing for its challenging nature, Brooks now loves it as a way to stay toned and strong.
7. Walking Up to 10 Miles a Day
Living in New York means Brooks is always on the move. She often walks from her apartment in Tribeca to the Upper West Side, covering up to 10 miles daily. She considers it a relaxing part of her day and even brings her dog along for company. It’s one of her favorite ways to keep active while enjoying the city.
8. Sticking to Her Routine and Adding Intensity Before a Shoot
When preparing for a big shoot, Brooks doesn’t drastically change her routine. Instead, she increases the intensity of her workouts, adding more boxing sessions, hot yoga, and extra core exercises. By sticking to familiar routines, she maintains a balanced, focused mindset going into each shoot.