There’s nothing we love more than checking in with our grads to see how they’re improving their own health, the health of their families and (sometimes) the entire world. Today, we’re chatting with Elizabeth Maloney, graduate of the Fall 2013 edition of the Culinary Nutrition Expert program.

What motivated you to take part in the Culinary Nutrition Expert Program?

When I learned about the Culinary Nutrition Expert Program I had been playing professional beach volleyball for six years. (Editor’s note: The photo above was taken at a professional volleyball event in Quebec City during the 2012 Olympic qualification.) I was at the end of my career I was looking into alternate ways to heal injuries. I became interested in how food could help to heal my body and with the right food and right attitude could thrive. I had followed Meghan’s blog for quite some time and her straightforward and fun way of teaching really appealed to me. When I found out that the CNE program was online and very convenient to do anywhere in the world I was sold.

How has the Culinary Nutrition Expert Program changed your perspective on health and cooking?

The CNE program changed my perspective on health and cooking in so many ways. With so many like-minded women taking the course with me, I didn’t feel alone anymore. The CNE program broadened my skills and knowledge by introducing me to foods and ideas I had never used or tried before. I had come from a life of eating processed foods and tons of sugar-laden foods. The extent of my cooking skills was opening a box of Kraft Dinner or frying a grilled cheese sandwich. Now I am completely competent in the kitchen and LOVE it! I have tried so many new ideas and concepts in the kitchen — including making nut milk — which is now a staple.

What has been your best culinary nutrition creation?

I have lots of different favourite creations depending on the time of year or my mood, but my tried and tested granola bars are always a hit. I take them with me on trips and to all of my talks with athletic teams. They are a gluten-free, dairy-free, organic granola bar that are very versatile.

How would you describe your current day job?

Currently I am working in the kitchen at Feel Good Guru, an organic vegan restaurant in Toronto.  In the kitchen I am constantly learning new things and expanding my knowledge about food.  Our team makes salads, soups, collard wraps, raw desserts, fresh juices and smoothies from scratch using all of the best ingredients. We have just started serving a gluten-free vegan Mac and ‘cheese’ that is delicious!

What was the most rewarding part of the program for you?

The most rewarding part of the program was being empowered. I gained so much valuable knowledge throughout the program. Meghan herself is an inspiring teacher, but I not only learned from her, but all of my fellow students. The CNE community are like-minded with similar health and wellness goals, which makes them very easy to talk to, connect with and learn from.

How have you been putting what you learned into practice in your life, your business and/or helping someone else?

While I was taking the Culinary Nutrition Expert program I was also finishing my designation as a Certified Nutritional Practitioner. With the two combined I have now started my own practice focusing on athletic wellness. I have loved the aspect of incorporating food demonstrations and cooking workshops for athletes. Being able to talk to what foods are the best for healing injuries and achieve peak performance is because of everything I learned in the CNE Program.

What has changed in your life since completing the CNE Program?

So much has changed in since I completed the CNE Program. Now, as a Culinary Nutrition Expert and as a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, I am helping people to fuel their bodies properly. I am so much more aware of how food affects my health and my body and I am far more appreciative of the food I put in my body. Not only have I been able to improve my own health but I have been able to impact the lives of the people around me in a positive way.

Check out Elizabeth’s Culinary Nutrition Expert Profile here!