Gigs: VP of an ophthalmology-specialty pharmacy, certified coach, nutritionist, and host of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast
Follow her: @dryeyegirlfriend
Angela Jenkins has a lot on her plate, to say the least. Between her position as VP of a pharmacy specializing in ophthalmology to being the founder and voice behind a podcast that dives into her expertise in a meaningful, approachable way, it’s hard to believe the 48-year-old has time for much else. But surprisingly, she does.
“I’ve been playing pickleball for a few years now, and it’s quickly become one of my biggest passions,” she says. “It’s strategic, social, and such a fun way to move your body, especially for women who want to stay active and competitive without the high impact.” Her love of the game recently led to her becoming certified as a pickleball instructor, and it’s also the reason that she is featured in a specially programmed pickleball-prep workout in this issue (on page 62, if you haven’t yet checked it out). But she isn’t stopping there. “I’m also building a strength and mobility program tailored specifically to pickleball players, with a focus on injury prevention and performance for women 40-plus,” she shares.
"Helping women optimize their health through fitness and food, especially those with dry eye, gut issues, or hormonal changes, is my mission."
Being active has long been a priority for Angela. She began strength training in high school, and even her education followed the path of wellness: she holds an honors degree in food and nutrition, a culinary nutrition expert certification, a functional nutrition certification, and she recently became a certified personal trainer through canfitpro. And all these accomplishments help fuel her biggest goal of them all: paying it forward. “Helping women optimize their health through fitness and food, especially those with dry eye, gut issues, or hormonal changes, is my mission,” she says.
This knowledge is imperative in her everyday life, too. “My approach is rooted in strength training, daily movement, and nutrition that supports gut health and hormone balance,” she explains. “I prioritize high-protein, high-fiber meals made from whole, functional foods that reduce inflammation and fuel performance.” As part of her overall health plan, she also includes breathwork, acupuncture, and recovery practices that support her nervous system, digestion, and sleep. “Everything I do, from how I train to how I eat, is designed to support the gut-eye-exercise connection. And just as important, I lean on connection and community, because feeling stronger, clearer, and more energized is even more powerful when we’re surrounded by women walking a similar path.”
Tune into Dry Eye Girlfriend for tips and health-based info ranging from science, to self-care, to strength, vetted by Angela herself. The goal of the show, she explains, is to pass along what she’s learned so that women are empowered to “feel good in their bodies, protect their eye health, and thrive through every season”—exactly what Angela has achieved in her own life.
Written by Rachel Debling, Editor-in-Chief
Photography by Romy Riley Photography
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