From International Athlete to Women's Health Pioneer: GQ Jordan on Building Sustainable Wellness Without the Overwhelm
In our latest Women in Wellness Q&A, we sit down with GQ Jordan, a nutritionist who's transforming how women approach their health—one sustainable habit at a time.
When GQ Jordan competed internationally in athletics as a teenager, she learned something that would later become the cornerstone of her nutrition practice: the power of consistency over perfection. Today, as a women’s health nutritionist specializing in hormone balance and metabolic health, she’s helping women across the UK, Ireland, and further afield break free from the cycle of restrictive diets and overwhelming health advice.
GQ's journey from the athletics track to pharmaceutical work, and ultimately to founding GQ Jordan Nutrition, wasn't just career evolution—it was deeply personal. After losing her period and being diagnosed with PCOS, she refused to accept "come back when you want to conceive" as an answer. Instead, she dove into research, rebuilt her own health, and made it her mission to provide other women with the support and education she wished she'd had.
Her approach is refreshingly straightforward: "I teach you how to listen to, trust and nourish your body so you can finally feel confident in your own skin." No extreme restrictions, no guilt—just evidence-based strategies that fit seamlessly into busy lives.
In this candid conversation, GQ shares how her diverse background shaped her practice, reveals the subtle signs of hormone imbalance that women often dismiss, and explains why the simplest nutritional shifts can create the most profound changes. For women tired of choosing between health and happiness, GQ's insights offer a refreshing alternative: you can have both.
How did your transition from being an international athlete to working in pharmaceuticals, and ultimately founding GQ Jordan Nutrition, shape your unique approach to women's wellness?
I think all my experiences, from sport to science, have shaped how I work today.
I competed internationally in athletics in my teens, and that really taught me the power of consistency. It gave me a deep respect for the small, daily habits that lead to meaningful change. Training at that level built a long-term mindset. I wasn't chasing quick fixes; I was focused on building a foundation. That's a huge part of the work I do now with my clients - helping them create a rhythm they can stick to.
Working in pharmaceuticals, especially in the diabetes sector, was incredibly rewarding. I spent time working with patients and patient groups, and it became clear how much was missing when it came to nutritional education. I saw the gaps and knew I wanted to be part of the solution.
The final push came from my own health. I lost my period, was diagnosed with PCOS, and was told to come back when I wanted to conceive. That didn't sit right with me. I knew if my body was waving a red flag and I had to pay attention. So, I dove into the research, rebuilt my health, and made it my mission to help other women do the same - with real support, real education, and no overwhelm.
At the end of the day, our health reflects our daily habits. When we learn how to build those habits in a way that supports our body, everything starts to feel a bit easier and a lot more hopeful.
You mention that your own struggles with hormonal imbalances sparked your mission. Can you walk us through how you help busy women identify the subtle signs their hormones might be out of balance, and what are some of the most common misconceptions you encounter about hormone health?
I help women tune into their bodies and start recognising the signs that might seem random at first. Things like a 3pm energy crash, bloating that comes out of nowhere, or feeling wide awake at bedtime but struggling to get out of bed in the morning. When you build that kind of self-awareness, it creates this ongoing feedback loop. You start noticing patterns, and from there, it becomes so much easier to support your body properly.
It's really empowering when you begin to understand what your symptoms are pointing to. Low energy or constant cravings might be linked to blood sugar, disrupted sleep, or stress showing up in your cortisol levels. Once you know what you're looking at, you can take action that helps, rather than just guessing or pushing through.
One of the most common myths I see is that hormone issues are only a problem if you've missed a period or hit menopause. But the signs are often much more subtle. Women tell me they just don't feel like themselves anymore, that's a signal worth listening to. Another big misconception is that you need to go all in with strict diets or cut out loads of food groups to get results. It's the small, steady changes that make the biggest difference. When you support your body with simple but consistent habits, everything starts working a bit more smoothly.
Your philosophy centers on making nutrition fit seamlessly into busy schedules rather than requiring complete lifestyle overhauls. What's one simple but powerful shift you recommend to women who feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and don't know where to start?
One of the simplest shifts I recommend is building your meals around protein and fibre. It sounds basic, but when you focus on that one habit, everything else starts to feel easier. Your energy lasts longer, your cravings calm down, and you stop feeling like you're constantly reaching for snacks just to get through the afternoon.
It's also about removing the pressure to be perfect. You don't need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Just start with your next meal. Can you add a source of protein? Can you throw in something with colour? That's where real change happens - in the small, consistent choices that fit into your day without stress.
Because once women realise it doesn't have to be all or nothing, they stop feeling stuck. They start feeling in charge again.
Are you a woman leader with an inspiring journey to tell? Founded by Women is on a mission to elevate and amplify the voices of women making an impact.
If you're breaking barriers, driving change, or paving the way for others, we’d love to feature your story. Get in touch with us today!
👉 hi@foundedbywomen.org
