You Are Complex: Meet Holistic Nutritionist, Celebrity Health Coach & Personal Trainer Jennifer Hanway

Here at Vibrant Health, we believe health is an inside job, unique to you. After all, you’re one-of-a-kind and your needs are complex – that’s why your supplements should be too. 

To celebrate all of the beautiful complexities of our lives, each month we’ve been highlighting individuals in our community – taking a peek into the behind-the-scenes of their work life, wellness routines and all the wonderful things that make them who they are.  

In honor of National Nutrition Month, this March we got to chat with Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach Jennifer Hanway. As one of the “Best-Kept Secrets in Wellness,” she brings more than 15 years of experience to her clients (including A-list celebrities!) with her results-driven, 360-degree approach to wellness.  

In this inspiring interview, Jennifer shares why following the latest fad diets can be a mistake, a simple nutrition tip that can help you optimize your health (without deprivation), and the antioxidant-rich sweet treat she eats on the daily. We hope you enjoy our series…and remember, keep being you! 

 

How would you describe yourself in three words?  

Caring, determined, integrous 

 

What does a typical day in the life of a Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach look like for you? 

When I am based in my home office I have two types of days; two days a week I schedule my consultations with my Private Coaching clients and the other three days are reserved for research, working on my online programs and creating content.  

I travel a lot for my business and am typically in at least two different cities every month. This can involve hosting masterclasses, speaking at events or seeing my VIP clients in person.  

Wherever I am, I always wake up super early (by 5am) and my morning routine involves reading a book on self development or business whilst drinking my morning coffee. I’ll typically do a couple of hours of work, eat breakfast, work out, then shower and get ready for my day. I usually finish work by around 5pm and my evenings are usually an early dinner, meditation and then reading a fiction book (usually sci-fi).  

 

March is National Nutrition Month, encouraging healthy eating habits and informed food choices. What's one of the biggest misconceptions you see when it comes to nutrition or something you wish more people knew?   

I see a lot of what I call “majoring in the minors.” What I mean by this is people will get hyper focused on something like Intermittent Fasting, a specific diet or taking a ton of obscure supplements (usually inspired by the latest social media trend) when the basics of a healthy diet and lifestyle would get them better results. Once you have your nutrition, fitness, stress and sleep dialed in then by all means try the new ideas — but the foundations have to come first.  

 

Tell us more about your holistic approach and 360-degree view of health and wellness you use with your clients. 

I don’t think that any practitioner can get great results without using a 360-degree approach. For example, if I am working with a client who wants to improve their blood sugar balance and metabolic health then a higher protein, high fiber diet combined with strength training and walking is important.  

However, if they are stressed out and not sleeping then their hunger hormones will keep them craving high sugar/high carb foods and they will not have the energy to work out. True wellness is achieved by making small improvements in all aspects then building on these foundations piece by piece.  

 

What's one or two small, simple action steps you'd recommend readers take for optimizing their health? 

When it comes to nutrition, start by focusing on what you can add into your diet rather than taking away. Can you increase the portion size of your protein, add a green side salad or finish a meal with a piece of fruit? This will help you feel full and satiated, helping you avoid possible unhealthy choices while giving you a feeling of abundance in your diet. It makes the focus on what you can have rather than feeling a sense of deprivation.  

 

What are your personal go-to healthy snacks and meals to fuel your workday?  

I eat a high protein, high fiber and antioxidant rich diet with healthy fats. I start my day with a Breakfast Smoothie, have a Big Ugly Salad (BUS) for lunch and dinner is usually something like salmon and roast veggies or grass fed ground beef, a great pasta sauce and cauliflower rice. Eating this way means I don’t snack, but I do eat dark chocolate every day!  

 

Do you have a daily wellness routine or any self-care rituals you want to share with our readers?  

I weave my health and wellness into my daily routines! It’s such an important aspect of my life that I don’t view it as something separate to the rest of my day but rather part of a lifestyle that prioritizes health. When wellness feels separate from the rest of your life, it’s easy to think of it as something you can start or stop. You are ‘on’ or ‘off’ a diet, but consistency really is the key for optimum health.  

  

What does wellness look like for you? 

For me wellness is a tool that helps me show up as my best self in all areas of my life. When I am healthy, energized and vibrant I can be my best self and of the highest service to my clients, followers and loved ones.