Meet Jenna Markl | Culinary Nutritionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenna Markl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenna, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance has been important to me for as long as I can recall; however, the idea of work life balance was not always on my radar. In the beginning of my culinary career, I think I just assumed that the work would be all-consuming and demanding. The first thing people pointed out were the nights, weekends, and holidays required in the industry. As a young and independent person, I was naïve enough to think that as long as I’m working and MAKING money then I don’t have to worry about going out spending it, thus still affording rent. Unfortunately, that also led to multiple burn-outs and a limited social life. When I met the man who is now my husband, I had 2 days off that entire month. Being accountable to another person really changed my outlook on how my time was being spent. I had gotten used to moving around and making friends at my place of employment since that’s where all my time went anyway. Eventually as I moved into leadership roles, I became disgusted at how much time and effort I gave away for what was draining me more than it was fulfilling any personal aspirations. I finally realized and was internally understanding that being a loyal employee/partner/friend only works when there’s mutual care and understanding, and that my job is NOT equal to my life.

One of my all-time favorite quotes is by Mae West, saying “You only live once. If you do it right, once is enough.” I’ve since sought job opportunities that reward such dedication or at least offered set hours when I didn’t trust my own abilities to create boundaries for my time. These adjustments have made the difference in determining what kind of work I want to balance within my life. It’s also probably telling that I’m my own boss now…

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Jenna Knows Food as my own outlet for helping others through food. My professional experiences varied (intentionally) to familiarize myself with the many reaches of the culinary industry. If only it were so simple to eat three meals a day and be on our merry way! Regardless of the population I was serving, I noticed there are so many nuances and facets to what makes up a single person’s diet.

The word Diet derives from Greek language, meaning “way of life”. Food can be a personal choice, taste, right, privilege, and necessity. Our relationship with it also evolves throughout our lives. It became a dedicated focus during my own lived experience of not understanding how to properly feed my body. I can only hope to spare others some of the lessons, time, and weight of what I went through.

What I ultimately want to convey is that because we need its nourishment to survive, it deserves some effort on our part too. Spending time cooking meals at home, understanding what foods have an effect on you and monitoring what the effect is (like if something upsets your digestion, don’t keep eating it every meal!) dining at local restaurants that align with your beliefs, researching what and where you shop for groceries, all of which represent your diet. Rather than regard those things as chores, or giving “good” and “bad” labels to various foods which can often take the joy away, we should be celebrating in all that food offers us! I will happily be the one wearing rose-colored glasses and curiously asking questions to help uncover ways to your own nurturing relationship with food. That is MY joy and privilege in having such a business.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The people I owe the most credit and gratitude towards, are the ones who recognize my light/talent/gift when I’m not able to. Those who can thoughtfully offer insight or perspective to someone else’s personal (and sometimes perceived) shortcomings are worthy of all kinds of praise! It’s not always easy to broach the conversation and it’s certainly not so simple to receive such feedback gracefully.

I am amazed by not only what cherished loved ones have shared, but also strangers! Recently while visiting a park, someone I had just met and known for a total of 15 minutes, thought to tell me how colorful my aura is and what a great communicator I must be. This was on a day that I happily hung back in the group, participating minimally in the conversation, and maybe wasn’t feeling like my most gregarious self. That’s the kind of thoughtful recognition you can’t seek and are humbled by when it comes. My spirits were instantly lifted despite not feeling particularly down to begin with, and I felt seen in a way I don’t view myself. In my opinion, that is often one of the greatest gifts.

Website: https://www.jennaknowsfood.com/

Instagram: @jennaknowsfoodLLC

Image Credits
All images taken/stored on my personal device