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 Meg Bradbury, graduate of the Fall 2013 edition of the Culinary Nutrition Expert program.

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

While I’ve always loved learning about food, cooking, nutrition, and health, it was the idea of developing these topics into a vibrant, full-fledged wellness curriculum for children and families that truly inspired my journey with Meghan and the CNE squad.

How did the Culinary Nutrition Expert program change your perspective on health and cooking?

What fascinated me most was the scientific application of ideas — I mean, I knew conventional diary is bad for bodies, but learning ALL of the reasons why was so beneficial. Same goes for low-glycemic eating, what can help conditions of inflammation, skin and body care ingredients, and why gluten- and grain-free eating can be a game-changer for some of us.

What has been your best Culinary Nutrition creation?

I absolutely loved the raw foods! My favorite both to make and eat was the amazing zucchini pasta with walnut meat balls and sun-dried tomato marinara — I think about it often!

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

The homework. There were always so many new things to learn about and either put into practice myself or know how to encourage others to do the same. My research focus was on childhood cancer, a personally meaningful topic for me; my mind is been blown by the information I now know–and the fact that my knowledge of these things could possibly help someone? Incredible.

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

I am developing a nutrition and wellness curriculum for the school at which I work, and am working on workshops for older students as well as faculty and staff. And my office is a revolving door for people curious about healthy food, exercise, and wellness in general!

What has changed in your personal life since completing (or perhaps since you began) the program?

I am so much more confidant as I speak about my passions–whole food, running, meditation, home life. I find that the more I learned from Meghan, the more tolerant and loving a person I became–like the way you feel when you take a big, wide, beautiful yoga breath–open, receiving, ready for whatever comes next.

You can follow Meg on Twitter. Want to be a featured grad? Drop us a line at info@culinarynutrition.com.