Jennifer Hanway is a Holistic Nutritionist, Level 2 Bio Signature Modulation Practitioner and Certified Personal Trainer who came to Boston by way of London. Previously, she worked at Amansala’s Bikini Bootcamp in Tulum, Mexico; was part of the founding team and Master Trainer at London’s first barre studio; and has worked as a personal trainer to the British Royal family and several Hollywood A-listers -- though she won't give us any names!
Jennifer has been a Boston Organics customer for three years. She recently took the time to answer some of our questions about why she's passionate about wellness and how Boston Organics helps her pursue her wellness goals.
First and foremost: Your bio says that you’ve worked with a member of the royal family. Can you tell us who it was?
I can't I’m afraid – its more than my job is worth! And I signed an NDA. I’ve worked with a number of high profile clients, and discretion is key. But she was lovely to work with though, and I still see her when I’m back in London.
How did you get your start as a nutritionist?
I used to be a professional dancer, but an injury when I was younger stopped me from performing. I transitioned into the health and fitness industry, and my personal and professional health journeys collided when I started working with, and mentoring under a Bio Signature Modulation Practitioner. Up until then I had suffered with terrible gut health, to the point of being hospitalized and put on a morphine drip. Conventional medicine had not given me any answers, but working with her not only gave me the best health I had ever experienced, but inspired to want to do the same for others. I became a Level 2 Bio Signature Modulation Practitioner, retrained as a Holistic Nutritionist, and am currently studying for an advanced degree in Nutritional Therapy.
What brought you to Boston?
My husband! He and I met whilst he was working in London, and we dated for a very short time before he had to come back to the states. We did the long distance thing for about 9 months, then he proposed on July 4th 2013, and we got married on July 26th 2013 (we don’t believe in long engagements). Five years later I’m very happy in my adopted hometown.
How do you balance having clients in multiple cities?
I don’t even see it as balance – it never seems hard as I just love what I do. It’s easy for me to consult with clients around the world thanks to the internet, but nothing beats working with them in person. When I have to travel it’s just about being organized and sticking to my healthy routines so I can jump off a plane and be ready to give my best to my clients.
How has the industry changed since you started?
Social Media! When I first started in the wellness industry 12 years ago there wasn’t even Instagram! I think its been both a blessing and a curse – it’s great that there is so much information out there, but it also leaves people confused and stressed out. I find it hard to balance building a social media presence with what I consider my ‘real job’(working with clients, reading, researching, writing), but I also love the fact that I can help people across the globe with just one IG post.
What is the most common advice you give to your clients?
Don’t count calories! Balance macros (protein, carbs, fat) instead to keep your blood sugar and hunger hormones in check.
Why did you join Boston Organics?
I’m so passionate about the health benefits of eating seasonally and locally, and love to support the local agriculture community too, because without farms there would be no food! I also (like most people) can fall into a rut of eating the same foods all the time because its easy and convenient, so I love that Boston Organics gives me things in my box that I didn’t even know existed.
What is your go-to short-on-time dinner?
Zoodles (zucchini noodles) with a jar of pasta sauce and whatever leftover protein we have in the fridge. If I’m really short on time, a Superfood Smoothie!
Do you have any guilty food pleasures?
I always call it a ‘treat meal’ rather than a cheat meal, but for me I always lean towards foods that I know will nourish my body, and taste amazing. My favorite meal ever is a grass fed steak, sweet potato fries, a glass (or two) of organic red wine (preferably a Malbec) followed by 100% dark chocolate.
