We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Silverman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It wasn’t the smoothest ride for me. You see, a lot of my family members work in health care in some capacity. Some are doctors, some are nurses and some worked on the administration side of our healthcare , or as I like to say, “sick” care system. While I have always loved helping people, I never knew how or what I wanted to focus on specifically until I became a mother. I found my purpose in my early 30’s. I feel the most inspired and valuable, when I’m helping others be the most effective parents they can be by honing in on their health and the health of their families. They say food is a form of love. I couldn’t agree more. I show my love by not only educating people about functional food, but by teaching them about nourishing foods and healing foods.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a mother of three, a nutritionist, a wife, an athlete, a sister, and a daughter — to name a few. Each of these roles has had an impact on my life choices and collectively led me to where I am professionally. With so many family members in the health care space, my interest is not surprising. But my focus on mothers, athletes and longevity comes from my own health struggles.
After exploring other career paths, I went to graduate school to study health promotion and nutrition when I was 25. You see, I dealt with a whole slew of ailments, from mono, Lyme’s disease, Bells Palsy, and an intensely painful stomach ulcer. I was desperate to figure out how to overcome these, heal myself, prevent future episodes and illness. Ultimately, through my own experience, I can now help others do the same.
I believe the U.S. doesn’t have a strong health care system, but we have a sick care system. We focus on treatment, not prevention. I want to change that and I want to make it possible for everyone to feel their best, no matter their resources.
I love the work that I do because it’s given me the opportunity to connect with people and empower them. My brand is all about simplicity and education. I get energized, helping people better understand how to fuel properly. In addition to working with busy working parents, I am part of a community of high performers. With that community, I collaborate and partner with new health wellness brands on the market. It helps me stay on top of the space and share these products and brands with my community and clients.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most valuable qualities or skills are relatability, education and compassion. When tackling a health goal, there’s nothing more valuable than acknowledging that we are all different, genetically, and to assume you can take a “one size fits all” approach to goals in antiquated and unfair.
If you’re starting off, my advice is to be a sponge. Learn as much as you can. Say “yes”. Listen hard and stay on top of the science. Trust comes from experience and knowledge, but people will continue to work with you if you keep an open-mind. For example, if you aren’t a mother, don’t try to teach pregnant women or new mothers how to navigate that time in their lives. It’s rattling!
Starting off on any journey is overwhelming. There are ups and downs. Tap into the people you trust and don’t be discouraged if they offer constructive criticism. It’s the best way to help you grow!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
As a parent, my words carry a lot of weight. My actions carry even more. You know how kids are. They remember everything and they are never shy to remind you if you misrepresent yourself and change your stance. Career-wise, I’m a nutritionist and holistic health coach. So, what I eat and how I feed my family is under a microscope. I often find it challenging, parenting in a world where Gatorade, Prime and skittles are the cool foods. On the other side of the coin, given social media’s presence, I never want my children to lose their innate confidence or hold themselves to impossible standards.
What am I doing to resolve this?
I’m doing the best I can. I don’t buy the foods laden with food dyes and a ton of sugar. I wake up early to exercise and let my children wake up to a very sweaty mommy in the kitchen preparing breakfast. I encourage them to join me when I grocery shop and when I cook. I offer them choices, but I don’t restrict them. I don’t label foods as “good” or “bad” but instead, I explain that some foods promote health while others do not. I always explain that while these are choices we make for our family, every family is different, and they might not always agree with our approach. And that’s ok.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jensilvermannutrition.com/
- Instagram: @jensilvermannutrition
- Linkedin: jennifer-pearl-silverman-ms-24a6475
