Jennifer Hruz, FNP-BC, APNP

My personal wellness journey, which has inspired the entire VIVA Wellness mission, began at age 23 in my hometown outside of Los Angeles, California, when I decided something had to change. My struggle with obesity that had started in childhood, was taking a toll on my physical and mental well-being. Physically, I was 234 pounds and was diagnosed as pre-diabetic with elevated cholesterol. Mentally I was depressed, anxious and knew I wasn’t living up to my full potential, nor would I be able to if things didn’t change.

Nothing in my life was working. I was attempting to go to community college, but semester after semester I’d start classes and then drop out. I was attempting diets, but time after time, stress and depression would steer me to my coping mechanism: food. I would drink a case of soda a day and order fast food up to three times a day. At a particularly low moment, I came to my breaking point —  I’d had enough and realized I needed real treatment from professionals or my weight would continue to climb, putting my future in danger.

When I started to receive therapy and mental health treatment for anxiety and depression, I began to believe in myself and abilities. And while looking ahead at the journey of changing my life could have felt overwhelming with all I was up against (physically at 234 pounds on my petite frame and mentally/emotionally), however with therapy and self-reflection, I started to break my problems down to small action steps. 

I established a new routine by replacing soda for water, replacing fast-food with healthier choices, and adding physical activity like walking. Slowly, this routine became more than just a routine, it became my identity. It had an actual purpose behind it—It was my new lifestyle.

This lifestyle led me to choosing a career path of becoming a Registered Nurse, later to receive my Masters as a Nurse Practitioner, and then to start a business helping others develop the lifestyle and vision of wellness they desire and truly deserve. Today I am married, welcomed my first son into the world in July 2021, and am proudly holding space for individuals along their wellness journey with both one on one clients and in the continual growth of VIVA Wellness.

I’m passionate about what I do. I am empathetic and compassionate for every single person who walks through the doors at VIVA Wellness — I have been in your shoes and know what it feels like to embark on something challenging, especially if you’ve been dismissed or gaslit by others in the healthcare industry. I realize there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and your unique story and lifestyle is what ultimately determines the solution we’ll uncover together.

Due to the powerful minds and passionate humans in the healthcare industry, both traditional and alternative, research and technology and therefore OPTIONS are constantly changing. Because of this, on top of all my formal education I’m also an avid researcher and stay up to date on the latest integrative wellness therapies in order to offer you the most effective strategies to move you towards your goals and help you feel like the best version of YOU..

I genuinely, excitedly look forward to being a part of your wellness journey. You can do this! If I can do it, anyone can!

Jennifer Hruz FNP-BC, APNP

Nurse Practitioner and Founder of VIVA Wellness

I’m honored to share more about my story here or here.

If you are at your breaking point with weight loss, please be in touch, but we’d also love for you to read this post about things we want you to know about your journey.