Creating a Health Strategy that Sticks with Jenny Perin

mgraziano45
6 hours ago
3 min read

We’re welcoming back Jenny Perin to Adventures in Business! Amani calls her “the queen of planning” and “the queen of goals,” and we know you love her because her last episode ranked in the top three out of 230+ episodes. Jenny is the founder of Shift Life Health Coaching, and she’s here to talk to us about meal planning strategy, how to read labels like a pro, and the food hacks you didn’t know you needed.

Why Planning Your Food Matters

Jenny kicks things off by addressing something most of us are guilty of: we think through plans for our vacations, our days, and our work. But somehow, food becomes a total afterthought. This is called winging it, Jenny says, and it’s the reason we end up making choices that don’t support our health goals.

The solution, of course, is having a strategy and a system for your food. When food is planned the way workouts, meetings, and trips are planned, execution becomes easier and decision fatigue disappears.

Traveling Without Derailing Your Health

If you travel often and want to eat healthier on the go, here are some of Jenny’s top travel food hacks:

Bring high-protein, low-sugar snacks to avoid “food emergencies”
Look at menus in advance if you know where you’re eating
Anchor your day with solid meals (especially breakfast and lunch) so dinner doesn’t turn into chaos
Do a little due diligence before you travel so you’re not relying on willpower alone

Working Out on the Road

When it comes to workouts while traveling, Jenny keeps it real with these tips:

Walk when you can
Stretch in your hotel room
Hit the hotel gym
Lay out your workout clothes the night before
Workout the first day of vacation to set the tone for your trip

Live Coaching: Amani’s Health Reset

This episode turns into a live coaching session when Amani shares his current health reality: he needs to lose 10-15 pounds, and is struggling with high cholesterol and a heavy travel schedule. He already does lots of cardio and strength training. Amani asks: how can he lose the weight and tackle the cholesterol?

Jenny immediately reinforces a big win: strength training is non-negotiable, especially for long-term health, muscle retention, and longevity. Now, he should focus on reducing sugar and starch (which drive inflammation); prioritizing protein, low-starch vegetables, and healthy fats; and improving food quality where possible.

Inflammation – not fat alone – is the real driver behind many cholesterol issues, and food choices play a massive role in reducing it.

The Real Meaning of Clean Eating

In a world of conflicting health information, Mandi asks: What does “clean” actually mean?

Jenny simplifies it: Read the ingredients list. If you wouldn’t keep the ingredient in your pantry, think twice about eating it. Watch for hidden sugars and prioritize whole foods that don’t need labels in the first place. Real food is still best.

“What Protein Bar Should I Eat?”

When it comes to health and nutrition, there’s one question Jenny Perin gets more than any other: “What protein bar should I eat?”

Protein bars are processed food. That doesn’t mean they’re terrible, but it does mean they shouldn’t be your go-to. Jenny frames them as emergency food, not everyday fuel.

One cleaner brand Jenny has actually tasted and recommends is RAWR Organics, which uses real food ingredients and natural sweeteners like honey. But even then, she encourages clients to think beyond bars and more about turkey sticks, beef sticks, and nuts for quick fuel.

Simple, Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Need a quick weeknight dinner? Jenny’s “lazy meals” include:

Ground turkey, chicken, or beef turned into taco bowls or salads
Sheet-pan chicken fajitas with peppers and onions
A solid burger loaded with veggies
Paleo-style minestrone (without the pasta)
Chicken vegetable soup

These meals are quick, flexible, and easy to repeat. And if you want more meal ideas, follow Jenny on Instagram!

“How Do I Get Healthy If No One Else in My House Is?”

This question comes up constantly from Jenny’s clients. The truth is: you don’t change other people. You change your environment.

She encourages clients to prepare food that supports their health, and let others eat it – or not. That might mean eating before social events, and letting your family join in on your health journey when they feel ready. Jenny has seen the difference this makes time and time again!