We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carla Duenas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carla below.

Carla, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

I had the privilege of working with a leader who was not only a boss but also a mentor—a person who quickly earned the team’s trust by genuinely caring about each individual, taking the time to learn about their world, and sharing creative, fun ideas to enhance our work. At the time, I was the newly hired dietitian, fresh out of clinical training with just one year of experience, joining a team of two seasoned professionals. I will always be grateful to him for teaching me lessons I still apply every day in my career.

One of the standout moments during my time under his leadership was the creation of our monthly “Meeting About Eating” sessions. These casual but purposeful gatherings, typically held over a healthy lunch or coffee, brought our small team together to brainstorm and discuss new ideas in nutrition. He was a firm believer in thinking outside the box—literally—and often encouraged us to take our discussions beyond the office walls. This initiative helped foster a strong, collaborative nutrition department where team members could solve challenges together and design meaningful programs for the communities we served.

Another key lesson I carry with me today is the importance of creating a “make it stick” moment in my patient interactions and program development. It’s one thing to share information, but how do you leave a lasting impact that resonates well after the conversation ends? Whether it’s a memorable comment, a practical tip, or an engaging activity, ensuring that something sticks with the person beyond our session is what truly makes my work rewarding. I’ve come to realize that adding lasting value to a person’s health—long after our time together—is the essence of what makes my role so meaningful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a registered dietitian with a passion for helping people achieve lasting health and unlock their full performance potential through practical, science-backed nutrition. My journey into this field was driven by my firsthand experience of how nutrition can profoundly impact our health and performance—both for better and for worse.

My career began with a year of clinical experience followed by 10 of community nutrition. Throughout that time I also immersed myself in the world of sports as a runner and triathlete. As I gained more experience, I became deeply committed to helping individuals not just make short-term changes, but also develop habits that support long-term health and achieve their sport goals as well.

In my practice, I specialize in several key areas, including sports nutrition, eating disorders, and working with teens, young athletes, and families. I provide personalized nutrition counseling, wellness coaching, and educational programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual or group. Whether I’m helping a young athlete fuel for peak performance, supporting someone in their recovery from an eating disorder, or guiding a family in adopting healthier meal habits, my approach is always grounded in practicality, empathy, and real-life solutions.

One of my key strengths is my ability to connect with young athletes and children, building trust and rapport in a way that helps them embrace healthy habits without feeling overwhelmed or pressured. I also pride myself on being a liaison or “broker” between parents and kids, helping to facilitate open, honest conversations about nutrition, health, and wellness. This helps create a collaborative environment where both parents and children are on the same page when it comes to making positive changes.

My approach to nutrition is authentic, realistic, and grounded in everyday practicality. I believe that nutrition should never feel like a set of rules or restrictions; it should be about making choices that are sustainable and fit into real-life circumstances. Whether I’m working with an athlete who needs advice on fueling for a big game or helping a family navigate the challenges of busy schedules while making healthier meals, I focus on strategies that are easy to incorporate into everyday life.

What sets me apart is not only my ability to connect with and motivate young athletes and kids, but also my genuine, down-to-earth approach to nutrition. I’m not here to overwhelm anyone with complex diets or unrealistic expectations. Instead, I work alongside my clients to find simple, actionable solutions that work for them and their lifestyle.

I’m most proud of the lasting impact I’ve had on my clients—whether it’s helping a teen athlete set a personal record in their sport or supporting a family in creating a healthier, more balanced life. Seeing people transform their relationship with food and build confidence in their choices is what drives me every day.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that’s been both tough to learn and apply consistently is to not work with close family and friends. There’s a unique dynamic when it comes to the psychology of behavior change, and it can be especially challenging with people you’re close to. For one, there’s the financial aspect — I’ve found it hard to charge for my services to loved ones, but when I don’t, it can devalue the work I do and reduce the motivation for them to take it seriously.

In a way, the old medical advice that doctors shouldn’t treat their own family members definitely applies in nutrition therapy as well.

I’ve realized that I’m much more effective at influencing the behaviors of those closest to me by leading through example rather than trying to preach. Practicing what I preach — living the lifestyle I promote — speaks louder than any advice or coaching I could offer.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, one of the most important factors for succeeding in this field is truly understanding your target demographic — but I’d take it a step further and say that being your target demographic is even more powerful. In my role, I can speak from personal experience. I’ve been the teenager, the parent, and I’m still very much an athlete myself, practicing the same principles I share in my office and on social media. At the same time, I’m juggling the challenges of being a parent, figuring out what to put on the table for my kids, and navigating the complexities of the parent-child relationship. This helps me connect with my clients in a deeper, more authentic way.

Another key to success is staying actively engaged in your field by networking and building relationships. Every opportunity I’ve had has come from staying connected with colleagues and taking leadership roles in professional organizations. You never know where your next job, idea, or collaborator might come from, and staying involved is essential to keeping up with a rapidly evolving field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carlanutrition.com/
• Instagram: carla.nutrition
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-duenas-177b755a