How I Email: Brooke Zigler, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Email is a non-negotiable part of everyday life. For some, it’s an unruly time suck, but enlightened email users have systems to ensure they’re not a slave to the inbox. We’re asking smart thinkers to give us a peek inside their inboxes, share tips, ideas, gripes, and everything in between.

Brooke Zigler is an Austin, Texas-based registered dietitian nutritionist. She is very active on Instagram where she shares recipes and food tips. When she first started her weight loss journey she lost more than 65 pounds through diet an exercise. 

Give us the basics on how you manage your inbox.

I took a few years off from working after giving birth to my daughter, so for a long time I was only using my personal Gmail account. Now that I am working once again, I also set up a business G Suite account.

I’m definitely one of those people who checks their email all day, everyday! I really like to stay on top of what is coming into my inbox. Since I just launched my business in December, most of my G suite emails are from potential clients. It is important for me to respond back as quickly as possible.

For my business, I use a HIPAA compliant website/app called Healthie, where I am able to work with my clients virtually. Although clients message me through Healthie, I get an email notification every time they’ve made an entry or send me a message. These notifications really help me stay on top of replying back to clients in a prompt fashion.

I have found it extremely helpful to use the Primary, Social, Promotions, and Forums tabs for my personal Gmail account. I place my focus on getting through the emails in my Primary tab first and then save the emails in my other tabs for when I have more downtime (all of those emails from Gap in my Promotions tab can wait!)

Do you have any email pet peeves?

My one big thing is spelling peoples’ names correctly. I can’t tell you how many times my name has been misspelled in emails, even though the correct spelling is in my actual email address.

I really do appreciate when someone takes that extra minute to ensure a name is spelled properly.

What are some good email resources for those looking to lose weight or eat healthier in general?

There are so many Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who send out regular email newsletters with healthy eating tips, recipes, new product info, and more. Some examples include Essence Nutrition and F-Factor. I’d love to eventually have a regular newsletter! I’d also recommend subscribing to your favorite food blogger’s newsletter. It’s a great way to get inspiration to make new recipes.

Final thoughts?

Since I am very active on Instagram, I get so many direct messages through there from my followers- it’s like having a third inbox! It would be amazing if there was a way I could integrate Instagram messages with my Gmail.