Lauren Dunaway

About Lauren

Hello! I'm Lauren Futrell Dunaway – Registered Dietitian, Professor, and someone who truly understands what it’s like to navigate chronic illness and complex nutrition needs. With over 20 years of experience in nutrition research, teaching, and community-based health work, I bring a deep understanding of how food, health, and life intersect—especially for women. My clinical focus includes general wellness, women’s health, pre/postnatal nutrition, PCOS, menopause, food allergies, and weight management, including support for GLP-1 medications. I’ve personally managed chronic illnesses that required a strict elimination diet and ongoing nutrition adjustments. I know how overwhelming it can be to sift through advice and still enjoy food and life. My approach is research-driven and empathetic, offering personalized support through lab testing, weight-neutral strategies, and elimination protocols tailored to your unique needs.

Approach to care

I believe nutrition support should feel like a partnership. I work closely with each client to build a trusting, collaborative relationship where your voice and lived experience guide the process. My approach is additive—not about restriction, but about discovering what can be included to support your health and lifestyle. Together, we identify small, attainable goals that fit into your real life and build lasting habits over time. Whether you're navigating a chronic condition, hormonal changes, or just trying to feel better in your body, I’m here to help you find a path that feels doable, empowering, and uniquely yours.

Your first session with Lauren

Your first session is all about you. We’ll take time to get to know each other, talk through your health history, current habits, and what brought you in. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand your goals, challenges, and what a typical day looks like for you. This is a judgment-free space—there are no good or bad foods here, and no pressure to be perfect. Together, we’ll begin building a personalized plan that feels doable and supportive. My approach is collaborative and focused on small, attainable steps that fit into your real life. You can expect a conversation that’s respectful, empowering, and rooted in both science and compassion. Whether you’re navigating a chronic condition, hormonal changes, or just want to feel better in your body, we’ll work together to find what nourishes you—not just what checks the boxes.

Location

📍 New Orleans, Louisiana

Education

PhD, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine MPH, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine RD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Dietetic Internship BSFCS, Dietetics, University of Georgia

Hobbies

Artist for fun (painting, writing, photography) & enthusiastic about nail polish, reading, french fries, and flowers.

Licenses and Certifications