Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eleanor Duelley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Eleanor, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
When getting my Masters in Nutrition, I needed to work over a thousand clinical hours in order to get my board certification as a Nutritionist. I decided to begin working in a conventional doctors office that specialized in weight loss, as I thought I would gain experience working with helping people with their nutrition in order to lose weight. I quickly realized that the office was more geared toward bottom-line profits with medication subscription kickbacks and keeping people coming into the office with the lure of (damaging) calorie restriction weight loss, and not genuinely interested in the science of healing nutrition or the well being of the patient. I spoke up for myself and the other nutritionists, made recommendations to upgrade the procedures and client facing protocols, but was shot down rather quickly and told to mind my own business. I knew I could no longer continue working at that office, as the patients depended on my word, and I was being told what to say by the doctors. I quit and took a huge risk by starting my own nutrition business, and giving myself the freedom to practice nutrition the way I knew in my heart was going to help heal people.
Eleanor, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Eleanor Duelley, a Navy Veteran, proud mother of three, military spouse, and a dedicated Functional Medicine Nutritionist.
My personal journey has been marked by the challenges of weight gain and loss, which sparked a strong desire to understand my own body better. Unfortunately, whenever I sought answers from my doctors regarding my blood work, hormones, or symptoms, I often received dismissive responses, being told that everything was fine or given a prescription as a quick fix.
This dismissive attitude didn’t sit right with me. Even during my time as the sole female military officer in my unit, I felt that my needs were never taken seriously. It seemed like I was constantly brushed off, told to simply “shut up and deal with it.” However, everything changed when I started experiencing debilitating migraine headaches and recurring sickness. It was then that I demanded further investigation from my doctor to uncover the underlying causes of my ailments. To my dismay, I was met with indifference and was only offered a prescription to numb the pain. No further efforts were made to truly understand and address the root of my symptoms.
In that pivotal moment, I realized the vast disparity between conventional medicine, driven by profit, and the genuine care and understanding that women deserve when it comes to their bodies.
Motivated by this revelation, I took it upon myself to embark on a journey of education. I enrolled in numerous courses and certification classes, immersing myself in functional testing, healing supplements, and dietary shifts that support and empower women in comprehending their bodies.
My approach involves creating personalized protocols tailored to address the unique imbalances women face due to past trauma, medication use, malnutrition, imbalanced hormones, and the effects of various stressors on the body. Every woman has her own distinct health history, life experiences, and narrative, all of which significantly influence the most effective course of treatment. I am dedicated to crafting solutions that seamlessly integrate into the lives of my patients, rather than relying on a generic template that fails to acknowledge the individual strengths and circumstances of each woman.
Through the implementation of functional hormone testing, I am able to delve deeper into the symptoms and priorities of the body, establishing a solid foundation for healing. This approach validates and empowers each woman, enabling them to elevate their health to new levels.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I am a fervent advocate for the belief that discovering your authentic passion, both in business and in life, stands as the ultimate benchmark for genuine success. Through my personal journey, I have come to recognize that diving deeply into sickness, uncovering the root causes, and formulating solutions that directly address these underlying factors can produce a profound ripple effect on outcomes. This approach not only benefits the individuals we serve but also possesses the potential to profoundly influence the growth and prosperity of your business.
In my role as a Functional Medicine Nutritionist, I have gathered a wealth of life experiences as a mother, a military officer, and as the manager of a household for nearly two decades. These experiences have bestowed upon me invaluable life lessons, particularly in the realms of patience, attentive listening, and effective communication. These skills have proven to be instrumental in achieving successful outcomes, both for my business and for the well-being of my patients. Understanding and learning from mistakes and failures have emerged as the most pivotal life lesson for any business owner, and I have integrated these lessons into the foundation of my practice, driving meaningful and positive results.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most significant turning points in my life occurred when I made the decision to transition out of the military and embark on a new career in military consulting. However, that path took an unexpected turn as I chose to prioritize my commitment to my ever-traveling military spouse. In the span of 15 years, we relocated eight times, including overseas assignments, and expanded our family with the addition of three children. Balancing the demands of forging a new career, pursuing graduate studies, and establishing a thriving business amidst the backdrop of our nomadic lifestyle presented a host of challenges. Throughout this journey, I found myself adapting and pivoting numerous times, constantly navigating the delicate balance of prioritizing my own needs while ensuring the well-being of my family. It has been a continuous effort to create a better life for all of us while tending to my multiple responsibilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.nourishingnutrition.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your.hormone.nutritionist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eleanorduelleynutrition
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorduelleynutrition/
- Other: https://www.nourishingnutrition.net/nnpodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2GlGhfbQfCnG38JKrk2Y7y?si=eb0e3972a2b44977