Meet Jennifer
My name is Jennifer Hnat (pronounced "not") and my passion for health and optimal nutrition began in high school when I recognized the solid connection between food, mood and energy.
Honestly it started when I switched from my favorite breakfast of Toaster Strudel to fresh fruit. Instead of crashing by 10am I had energy to stay awake in class. That experiment connected the nutrition dots and jump-started my personal health journey.
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer Foods at The University of Georgia, then later completed my Didactic Program in Dietetics at UGA. From there I successfully completed my Dietetic Residency at University Hospital Augusta Area Dietetic Internship, then worked for the Shepherd Center in Atlanta while building my private practice.
I worked for WellStar Kennestone National Medical Center and Comprehensive Bariatric Services with the very talented bariatric surgeon, Dr. Fritz Jean-Pierre as a bariatric dietitian before working for BLAST boutique fitness studio as the Nutrition Director.
My ultimate goal from day one of going back to school was to open a private practice and make a change in the world, one bite at a time. I know this might sound corny, but it's true.
This desire and dedication to bring health, motivation and well-being stems from my life-long experience. I can relate to where you are at, the struggles of where to start and what to do.
My passion is working one-on-one with people towards their long-term wellness goals. I thrive on building solid, supportive relationships, creating do-able goals and guiding you towards the food finish line in a compassionate, intuitive, mindful and non-judgmental way. I also love to discuss how to enjoy a balanced approach to nutrition on local televisions stations like Fox 5 Atlanta and 11Alive.
Additionally I am an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Dietitians in Functional and Integrative Medicine, Nutrition Entrepreneurs), Greater Atlanta Dietetic Association, American Diabetes Association and The Center for Mindful Eating.
During my clinical practice as an intern I was exposed to the concept of mindful and intuitive eating but it wasn’t until I was working as a dietitian one-on-one with clients that I started to see how diets caused a very disordered relationship with food and the body.
I felt very drawn to learn about this way of deleting and reframing diet behaviors, beliefs, habits and patterns while cultivating a healthier relationship with food. It’s the therapeutic approach for disordered eating recovery and I became a facilitator for the Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating program with Michelle May M.D.
Now I practice and teach mindful and intuitive eating skills to help others who struggle or suffer with establishing a healthy and sustainable relationship with food and their body. This has profoundly shifted the trajectory of the work I do with clients on a positive and significant level. My only regret is that I wish I had embraced this concept sooner!
I have created two versions of my Nutrition Atlanta 30-day Mindful Eating Challenge that I present to local corporations, fitness facilities and private clients: one for the traditional client and one for bariatric patients pre- and post-surgery. I hope you join me for one of these amazing group challenges that can radically shift your relationship with food in a mere 30 days!
Recently I felt the calling to work with my innate feminine wisdom by becoming a Moon Mother to and help other women reclaim their sparkle and restore their powerful female energy. This type of reiki energy work is quite sacred, deeply spiritual, and profoundly healing on a level I can’t quite describe except that it has softened the edges around me and created an elevated level of mindful awareness, inner peace and self love that is pure bliss.
I strongly believe that dietetics and nutrition are cornerstones for improving the State of the World. My mentor invited me to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where I learned about cutting-edge chronic disease and well-being solutions.
My very adventurous long-term goal would be to lecture on innovative nutrition interventions to address dietary-related health issues utilizing mindful and intuitive eating skills during the WEF Annual Meeting. Dream big, right?! Until then, I am writing a nutrition book and hope to publish that soon.
My favorite activities include many forms of yoga, pilates, strength training, cycling classes, biking the Beltline, and snowboarding(!). I preach what I practice and incorporate some form of physical activity on a daily basis as an essential form of loving self-care because I actually love to move my body.
I also enjoy creating healthy, plant-based meals (and posting inspiring photos/recipes on Instagram here), supporting local, organic farms, reading, traveling and experiencing new cultures and cuisines, as well as spending time with my spouse and our adopted boxer fur-child.
You may run into me ordering my fave menu items at Atlanta restaurants (like Upbeet, Flower Child, or Sama on the regular), examining fresh produce at the Saturday morning farmers markets while supporting my fave local organic farms. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and say hello! I love to meet others who are on the road to self-care and wellness.
Insurance is expensive... Health is wealth!
