In today’s episode of the Palm Harbor Local Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jennifer Jenkins, a registered nurse turned holistic health coach and founder of Rooted Holistic Health Coaching.

Jennifer launched her business five years ago after her own health struggles drastically changed her outlook on life and wellness. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey from traditional nursing to the world of holistic health, why community and support are vital to living your best life, and Jennifer’s blueprint for optimal wellness.

Listen to the episode

If you’re someone who feels stuck, tired, or overwhelmed with health issues, or if you’re looking for inspiration to make lasting changes, this conversation will be your guiding light.

From Traditional Healthcare to Holistic Wellness: Jennifer’s Journey

Jennifer’s story begins with a natural passion for healing, a trait she carried from her childhood. “Growing up, I always loved helping people,” she recalls. Even as a young girl, Jennifer was drawn to the act of nurturing, such as when she brought injured animals to her neighbor, a vet, hoping to save them. This intrinsic desire to heal others led her into a career in nursing.

Jennifer spent 25 years in the healthcare industry as a registered nurse, where she initially felt fulfilled by helping patients recover. However, over time, she became increasingly disillusioned with the conventional healthcare system. “When I first started, we had more freedom to spend time with patients, treat them holistically, and provide the care they really needed. Over time, the system shifted. Insurance companies began to control everything, and it became more about paperwork than patient care,” she says.

A major turning point came when Jennifer experienced her own health crisis. Working long hours in a high-stress environment, often on night shifts, she found herself increasingly exhausted and unwell. Despite following all the standard medical advice and treatments, her condition worsened over the course of five years. “I was on multiple medications, seeing different specialists, but nothing worked,” she reflects. That experience, which she describes as her “rock bottom,” prompted Jennifer to take control of her own healing.

She began exploring alternative therapies, including nutrition, mindset work, and even ancient Chinese medicine. Through this process, she was able to reclaim her health. This transformative experience shifted her perspective on health and wellness. “I realized I couldn’t just treat symptoms—I had to look at the root cause of disease,” she explains. This realization led to the founding of Rooted Holistic Health Coaching.

The Healthcare System’s Focus on Symptom Management

Through her years in nursing, Jennifer saw firsthand how the current healthcare system often treats symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of disease. “We’re stuck in a model where medications are prescribed to mask symptoms, but the root cause is never addressed,” she says. Jennifer’s own journey of battling illness highlighted the limits of this approach.

She points out that much of today’s healthcare is driven by insurance and pharmaceutical companies. These industries have a vested interest in keeping people on medications instead of focusing on lifestyle changes that could prevent or even reverse chronic illnesses. “I was being put on more and more medications to deal with the side effects of the original treatments. It became a vicious cycle,” Jennifer explains.

One of the most concerning trends, according to Jennifer, is the lack of focus on nutrition in the medical field. “Doctors aren’t trained in nutrition,” she emphasizes. “They might take a few hours of coursework on it, but it’s not integrated into their practice.” Jennifer believes this is one of the key failures of the healthcare system, as many chronic conditions are rooted in poor diet and lifestyle choices.

The Shift Toward Holistic Health and Functional Medicine

Jennifer’s personal experience has given her a unique perspective on the rise of holistic health practices and functional medicine. She believes there is a growing movement of people who are tired of conventional treatments and are looking for alternative ways to improve their health. “More people are waking up and realizing they don’t want to rely on medications for the rest of their lives,” she says.

She also surrounds herself with professionals in the holistic space, including functional medicine doctors and nutritionists, all of whom are contributing to this growing movement. “We’re seeing a shift in the way people approach their health, but there’s still a long way to go,” she adds. Jennifer’s mission is to bridge the gap between traditional and holistic health approaches, offering her clients solutions that address the root causes of their issues.

What is Rooted Holistic Health Coaching?

Rooted Holistic Health Coaching is Jennifer’s solution for those seeking more than just a quick fix for their health problems. Her program focuses on metabolic imbalances, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, which she believes are at the root of many modern health issues. According to Jennifer, 93% of Americans are currently metabolically unhealthy, a statistic she finds deeply troubling.

“I focus on helping people restore balance in their bodies by addressing the root causes of their symptoms,” Jennifer explains. She works with clients virtually, offering them a comprehensive program that includes nutrition, mindset work, and lifestyle changes. “It’s not just about losing weight or getting off medications. It’s about feeling better, having more energy, and improving your overall quality of life.”

Jennifer’s coaching isn’t just about handing out advice. She offers personalized, science-backed strategies that are easy to follow and designed to create lasting change. “My goal is to take the guesswork out of it for my clients. I don’t want them to struggle the way I did,” she says.

The Importance of a Health-Focused Community

Jennifer is a strong believer in the power of community when it comes to achieving health goals. “You become the product of the people you spend the most time with,” she notes. This isn’t just a motivational saying—it’s backed by research. A Harvard study found that people who spend time with those who are overweight are 171% more likely to become overweight themselves. “Your environment has a huge impact on your health, whether you realize it or not,” Jennifer emphasizes.

She encourages her clients to surround themselves with people who share their health goals. “You need to be around people who lift you up and support your journey. If you’re constantly surrounded by negativity or unhealthy habits, it will be that much harder to succeed.”

Jennifer’s Health Blueprint: Mind, Body, and Spirit

Jennifer’s approach to health is holistic, addressing every aspect of her clients’ lives. Her blueprint for wellness includes several key areas:

• Mindset: Jennifer believes that a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. “We have to clean up our thoughts before we can heal our bodies,” she says. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, positive thinking, and stress management as key components of her program.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet is the foundation of Jennifer’s approach. She focuses on regulating insulin levels and reducing inflammation, which she sees as the root causes of many chronic health problems. “Food is medicine,” she explains. “What we put into our bodies determines our health outcomes.”
• Restoration: Rest and recovery are critical. Jennifer incorporates meditation, sleep optimization, and relaxation techniques into her program to help clients heal both physically and mentally.
• Movement: Regular physical activity is a non-negotiable part of Jennifer’s health blueprint. “You don’t have to be an athlete, but you need to move your body every day,” she advises. Whether it’s yoga, walking, or strength training, movement is essential for maintaining health.
• Community: Building and maintaining a supportive community is vital for long-term success. Jennifer encourages her clients to surround themselves with positive, like-minded individuals who will support their health goals.

The Future of Health: A Call for Change

As the conversation came to a close, Jennifer expressed her hope for the future. While the statistics may paint a bleak picture, she believes there’s an opportunity for change. “People are waking up. They’re tired of feeling sick, and they’re ready to take control of their health,” she says.

She urges people not to wait until they hit rock bottom, as she did, before making changes. “Don’t wait until it’s too late. You have the power to change your life right now.”

Jennifer’s holistic approach to health, which focuses on root causes and lifestyle changes, is a refreshing alternative to the conventional medical model. If you’re looking for a way to restore your health and live your best life, her program at Rooted Holistic Health Coaching could be the answer you’ve been searching for.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: 

• • Website: www.rootedholistichealth.com

• Instagram: @jen_jenkins_health_coach

• LinkedIn: linkedIn.com/JenniferJenkins

CONNECT WITH DONNIE: 

• Follow Donnie: @donnie.hathaway
• Follow Palm Harbor Local: @PalmHarborLocal
• For more real estate information – https://palmharborlocal.com/search-for-homes/

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