My Story
I spent years feeling overwhelmed and tired. Balancing a demanding career with family, friends and other aspects of my personal life was an endless struggle. I felt like I was stuck in the middle of a busy intersection, constantly pulled in multiple directions and unsure which way to turn. I placed an immense amount of pressure on myself to juggle it all and I became an expert at saving face under all circumstances. I learned to paint the picture of what I thought others wanted to see or how they needed me to be even when I felt totally different on the inside. I often said to myself, “I just need to get through this, and then I can take a break.”
Being healthy was yet another thing I needed to achieve. Another check on my never-ending to do list. I was striving to do all of the “right” things physically to support my health. Eating a very low calorie, zero fat diet, taking random vitamins I’d heard about on Facebook, and exercising every day (sometimes twice a day).
I was solely focused on the exterior. On the outside, I looked like the picture of health - but inside was another story. My digestion was completely off and I experienced terrible bloating. Some afternoons I looked like I was in my second trimester. I seldom felt rested even after 8 or 9 hours of sleep. My stress levels were high and my hormones and moods were all over the place. I craved sugar and carbs constantly and never really felt full or satisfied after a meal. On top of all of this, my brain was foggy. I was becoming more and more forgetful and felt like I could only concentrate for short periods of time. My body was clearly giving me signs to slow down, but I completely ignored them because I thought they were a matter of course for a woman in my position. I accepted them as part of the territory. Keep pushing through. All in a day’s work, right?
Eventually the wheels came off and it all caught up with me. My life felt completely out of balance. I just didn’t feel like myself anymore. Everything seemed like a chore - even a night out with friends. I felt like I was in survival mode. All I wanted to do was stay in bed and binge Netflix. I was physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted. Something needed to change. This was NOT the life I had envisioned for myself. My transformation began when I recognized that living the life I desired involved so much more than the food I was putting into my mouth and how much I was exercising. Don’t get me wrong, nutrition and exercise are important, and I definitely had some work to do there. But the biggest shifts for me occurred when I began nourishing my mind in addition to my body. Self-compassion became my most powerful supplement. It helped me to quiet my harsh inner critic. To embrace progress over perfection. To practice more ease and less hustle. The more open-hearted I became with myself, the more space I had available for others.
I came to understand that a healthy body means having a healthy mind.
A healthy mind means more happiness and joy.
And a healthy body means more energy and strength.
I share this with you because I want you to know that I get it. As a woman who wears multiple hats running my business, and directing a rapidly growing health and wellness program at a major university, I know how hard it can be to carve out time to care for yourself and your wellbeing. I know how important it is to be at your best. This is why I designed my programs for women just like us. We don’t have hours to spend at the gym, nor do we have the desire to count every last calorie and carb. We’re searching for more. We want a personalized plan that nourishes us from the inside out with real food and healthy mindset strategies. A plan that allows us to feel confident, strong, and comfortable in our own skin with the energy to be fully present for the things that matter most - our family, our friends, and our careers.
I can help you create the space in your life to thrive again in your business and personal life.
Are you ready to stop surviving and start thriving?
Professional Bio
With certifications in Health & Wellness Coaching, Functional Nutrition, and Executive Leadership Coaching, I am absolutely passionate about empowering women leaders to regain control of their health and vitality so they can show up in life and work as the best version of themselves again.
In addition to leading Jen Wood Wellness, I am the Co-Director of the Health & Wellness Coaching Certification Program at Georgetown University. I also serve on the program faculty, teaching and mentoring aspiring health and wellness coaches on key coaching competencies, how to facilitate transformative behavior change for clients, and essential principles of holistic health and wellbeing.
Education & Certifications
Health & Wellness Coaching Certification, Georgetown University
Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Certification, Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Executive Leadership Coaching Certification, Georgetown University
National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation (ICF)
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Yoga Alliance
Diabetes Lifestyle Coach, University of Virginia School of Medicine
Nutritional Therapy & Functional Nutrition Certification, Nutritional Therapy Association
Restorative Wellness Practitioner, Restorative Wellness Solutions
MA Human Performance, Marymount University
BS Education, Penn State University
Areas of Specialization
Gut Health & Digestive Concerns
Food Sensitivities
Natural Weight Loss
Customized Nutrition Planning
Managing Chronic Health Conditions
Mindfulness
Stress Reduction
Mind-Body Connection
Yoga & Restorative Movement
“Health is not about the weight you lose, but about the life you gain.”