As someone who has always been deeply passionate about health, fitness and nutrition, I have taken many courses over the years to strengthen my knowledge and coaching practice. But starting the Mac Nutrition Uni (MNU) course feels different. It is world-renowned for its evidence-based approach, and being just a few weeks in, I can already see how much it is going to shape not only my work but also how I support others in reaching their goals.

I am currently coming into my third week of the course, and already it has challenged me to think more critically and to apply research in a practical way. For me, that is the exciting part. Learning is never just about memorising facts. It is about being able to break down complex topics and use them to help real people make real progress. That has always been something I have loved: taking information, simplifying it, and sharing it in a way that makes sense. It is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching and tutoring so much. Seeing someone’s lightbulb moment when everything clicks is incredibly rewarding.

Since completing my MSc in Exercise and Nutrition, the science in our field has advanced even further. New studies, insights, and practical applications are constantly emerging, and I want to stay up to date so that I can provide the best, most evidence-based guidance to the people I work with. MNU is helping me do exactly that, building on my existing knowledge while keeping me at the forefront of current nutritional science.

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What the Course Covers

Over the next thirteen months, MNU takes us through an impressive curriculum that blends science with practical application. We are covering everything from research methods (a foundation for understanding what truly makes evidence reliable) to the intricacies of biochemistry, digestion and the endocrine system. It is the kind of content that underpins all of nutrition, and I know it will refine how I explain and apply these concepts to the people I work with.

The programme is not just about theory. It dives into real-world issues that so many people face. Topics include:

• Energy balance and energy systems which are the fundamentals behind fat loss, muscle gain and performance.
• Nutrition myths including gluten, organic foods, sweeteners and more.
• Dietary approaches that ask the big question: Is there really an optimal diet for human health?
• Macronutrients in detail such as protein, carbs and fats, with all their metabolic pathways.
• Vitamins, minerals and hydration which are essential but often overlooked parts of performance and health.

Later in the course, it shifts towards more applied and specialised topics such as:

• Gut health and IBS which can make or break someone’s quality of life.
• Pregnancy nutrition, obesity management and elderly nutrition showing just how broad and inclusive evidence-based practice can be.
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, PCOS and cardiovascular disease.
• Eating disorders and the role professionals can play in supporting people safely and responsibly.
• And of course, the part that excites me most, performance nutrition which covers endurance athletes, team sports, weight-making strategies and bodybuilding prep.

It is clear that this is not a course that skims the surface. Each week, lectures range from an hour to nearly two, all designed to build depth of understanding while encouraging us to think critically.

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Why It Matters to Me

For me, MNU is not just another qualification to tick off the list. I have always believed that nutrition and lifestyle are the foundation of long-term results whether someone’s goal is improving their health, recovering from training or stepping on stage. I have trained in Muay Thai, worked with people across fitness and beauty, and have always been fascinated by how the smallest changes in nutrition can create meaningful, sustainable results.

What makes MNU special is its emphasis on an evidence-based approach. The world of nutrition is crowded with misinformation, quick fixes and bold claims. I want to stand apart by cutting through that noise, giving people clarity, and helping them make decisions that genuinely improve their health and performance.

I also know from my own coaching and teaching experience that knowledge is only powerful when it is applied well. That is why I love tutoring and supporting others on their learning journeys. There is something incredibly fulfilling about guiding someone, not just giving them the “what” but helping them understand the “why” behind it all. This course is giving me even more tools to do exactly that.

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Looking Ahead

As I progress through MNU, I will be sharing insights and reflections along the way. Not only does it help me cement my own learning, but I also know that for many people, nutrition can feel overwhelming. If I can take what I am learning and explain it in a way that is simple, relatable and practical, then it is not just me who benefits, it is everyone I work with.

The next year is going to be packed with everything from the biochemistry of metabolism to the psychological and social aspects of eating behaviours. I am particularly excited about the modules on performance nutrition and body composition strategies, as they tie in so closely with my passion for fitness and helping people perform at their best.

At the same time, I know that the modules on chronic conditions and population-specific nutrition will broaden my ability to support people at different stages of life, with different needs and challenges. That is something I care deeply about, ensuring that the science is not just for athletes or professionals, but for anyone who wants to improve their health.

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A Journey of Learning and Sharing

If there is one thing I have learned so far, it is that evidence-based nutrition is not about finding the perfect diet or the one right way to do things. It is about understanding the principles, the context and the individual. It is about looking at the research critically and then applying it in a way that works in the real world.

That is why I am so glad to be on this journey with MNU. It aligns perfectly with my belief that learning never stops, and that the more I understand, the more I can give back whether that is through coaching, teaching or simply sharing knowledge with others.

Three weeks in, and I already feel like I have grown. I cannot wait to see where I will be in thirteen months’ time, both personally and professionally. But one thing is for certain, this course is not just about me. It is about using what I learn to help others, to make nutrition less confusing, more empowering, and a tool that anyone can use to reach their goals.

If you would like to follow along with my journey and get practical, evidence-based tips on nutrition and fitness, you can find me on Instagram at @sarahcurranfitpro where I share my learning in real time.