I’m Jena Griffith, an integrative and functional dietitian nutritionist, eating psychology coach, author, lead nutrition instructor for a community education program, editor, writer and frequent presenter on all things nutrition.

I’ve always maintained private practice, but after several years of creating and operating a nutrition program for a top medical wellness facility, I transitioned to full time private practice to be able to spend more time with clients and go deeper in order to get to the root cause of symptoms.

I was part of a generation that grew up on Captain Crunch, Kool-Aid and convenience foods and by the time I was in my 20’s I had developed unknown food allergies, was frequently on antibiotics and had constant stomach pain. I was in a full-on health crisis.

My Story

For several years I went from one conventional doctor to the next and was either told that I was “fine,” “blood work looks normal” or I needed to go to specialty physicians to be potentially diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, hypothyroid, dermatitis, fibromyalgia, immune deficiency, and even depression. 

Committed to feeling better and searching for answers, I immersed myself in most of the nutrition books ever printed and found my way to integrative and functional practitioners and natural therapies that helped me discover the root cause of my health issues, made me realize the power of food and catapulted me on a path to greater health than I believed possible. 

Most importantly, against the backdrop of their compassion and knowledge, my health transformation inspired me to change careers. Already having a journalism degree from NYU, going back to school to immerse myself in science was no small task, but I knew I wanted to help improve people’s lives through nutrition, and wanted the credentials to do so. On the way, I accumulated several key certifications that were invaluable to my training.

A combination of genetic pre-disposition, journalistic education, and New York upbringing drives me to constantly question the status quo, look at all angles and delve into research which means I have an unquenchable need to search for answers and make connections in order to help you to feel your best! Diet, lifestyle and natural therapies saved my life and it is my duty and passion to investigate, curate, and share what I know to be true so as to empower you to do the same.  

Certifications, publications & Stuff

  • Editor, The Integrative RDN. A newsletter for integrative and functional dietitians allows me to be current with ever-changing nutrition and science research.
  • Mind Body Coach, Institute for the Psychology of Eating. Integral training in understanding and shifting beliefs and behaviors around food and body challenges. 
  • Author, Chronic pain chapter of The Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy textbook, the most current reference for consumers and practitioners alike.
  • Featured Dietitian in Functional Medicine for work in the community
  • Culpeper exponent article: Local Dietitian Answers: Should I Be on a Diet
  • Expert Guest, Less Stressed Life Podcast
    • #109 Get Better Sleep, Metabolism, Energy and Eye Health with Jena S. Griffith, RDN, IHC
    • #117 Asymptomatic Transmission, Going Back to School and Immunity: The Sars-CoVid2 Part 1 with Jena S. Griffith, RDN, IHC 
    • #118 Testing, Treatment, Foundational Considerations and Masks: The Sars-Covid2 Part 2 with Jena S. Griffith, RDN, IHC

What My Clients Say

Jena has been a Godsend to me and my family. She is smart, resourceful, and compassionate. She is an encyclopedia of knowledge – a true researcher who discovers cutting-edge information well before many people in her field even have an awareness of it. She will ask you probing questions and give you direct feedback that you need to hear. Sometimes this can be hard, but it’s also where a lot of the true healing and answers to your issues really exist. Jena gives more of herself than most in her profession. She is invested, and always follows up. She’s a treasure in all ways. If you choose to work with Jena, you will change, grow, evolve – and be better for it!
Tricia L., Health Coach, VA Company Name
When I first found Jena I was struggling with my weight and other health issues for many years. I tried every diet, colonics, pills and did great for a few days but nothing lasted. Jena had the perfect combination of coaching, compassion and butt kicking for me, and within a month I lost 15 lbs, started eating and liking vegetables, was not afraid to cook, got rid of body aches and had no more headaches. Now I’m more patient with my healing and less hard on myself, yet I’ve taken full responsibility for where I am and where I’m going. Thank you Jena for your knowledge and support!  
Rabiah F., Student, DCCompany Name
Jena is absolutely outstanding! I have been to many health professionals and Jena is the first one who has brought true balance into my life. Her knowledge of nutrition and keen understanding of life’s everyday challenges is what guided me to achieve my goals. She went above and beyond her call of duty as she addressed the issues that truly drove me to make unhealthful choices. Her style incorporates incredible compassion, wisdom along with a great wit. She truly “gets it”. Jena was dedicated to helping me reach my goals and gave me the tools to make subtle shifts that positively changed my life forever.
Cathy C., Professional, NYCompany Name
Working with Jena really helped me understand that nutrition is not just about food, it’s about your whole body. Health is a whole body experience and if you are out of balance in other areas of your life, that’s when you start to fill it with things that aren’t necessary, leading to unhealthy habits. Nutrition covers everything to do with your body, your mental health, your life balance, as well as the food you put into your body. These sessions have given me a whole new perspective on how to take care of myself and that it is ok to focus on myself. I’m very grateful for these sessions. 
Amber W., Teacher, VACompany Name
We seek help when we realize we can’t do it alone and there is no magic bullet. We may wait for an issue to become critical or frustration has peaked. This is when Jena works her magic. Jena listens, collects data and paints the big picture for the “why” of your concern. She will investigate to discover areas needing change to start your road to wellness. She will tell you this is a lifelong journey not a quick fix and the process may be slower than you expect. You won’t even notice change until one day you wake up and say “I feel better”. She sorts out media buzz, streamlining a personal care program. She adds to your diet so you never feel deprived or discouraged. Following her recommendations produces sustainable results improving your quality of life. Sometimes we might not understand her processes but months later results are evident and we say “Jena was right”!  I highly recommend Jena as your wellness partner. She will help solve your “why” and not just give you a band-aid.
Patrice B., Manager, VACompany Name
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