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 Tammie Duggar, graduate of the Fall 2013 edition of the Culinary Nutrition Expert program.

What motivated you to take part in the CNE program?

I have been teaching about nutrition for a while now through cooking classes. It is amazing to me how so many people just don’t understand the importance that food has in their lives. I had been wanting to increase my knowledge base and expand my culinary expertise. All of the other programs that I had looked into seemed disjointed or built for the masses. When I discovered Meghan’s website, I instantly fell in love with her style and enthusiasm. She had the total package and was offering exactly what I had been searching for! Not only did I increase my knowledge base about nutrition, I also gained so much about presenting that knowledge in a way that is motivating and fun.

How did the CNE program change your perspective on health and cooking?

The main thing that sticks out in my mind is the fact that throughout the course, the underlying theme of everything we studied and every recipe we created was the importance of making every ingredient count. I have taken many of the recipes that I created prior to this course and reworked them in order to always follow this important principle. It is my responsibility now to convey that principle to everyone that I teach!

What has been your best Culinary Nutrition Creation?

The best creation that has come is my sense of confidence. It has been a long time since I was enrolled in something as intensive as this class. My knowledge increased through the reading and research assignments. My skills increased through the recipe and teaching assignments. I gained a deeper sense that I truly have something to give to the world, something that can actually change the world and I’m ready and willing to share it!

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

I’d have to say the validation. I have been raising my children on a whole real food philosophy their entire lives and they sometimes think I’m really crazy. My eleven-year-old son sat through every section of the video courses with me and to hear him say, “That’s what you always say.” Or “Is that why we do that?” was like music to my ears! He now has at least one other witness that the things I’ve been doing are not just mom’s crazy ideas. Really the best part of having him listening is was that when I would finish taking my quizzes, he would check my answers before I submitted them!

You can read more about Tammie on her website. Want to be a featured grad? Drop us a line at info@culinarynutrition.com.