Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza Cheng.
Hi Eliza, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
If you told me 10 years ago that I’d be running my own nutrition practice and working with nonprofits on health access, I’m not sure I would have believed you. My path has been anything but straight, but it’s always been rooted in one thing: helping people feel seen, supported, and nourished.
Growing up in Malaysia before immigrating here, I saw that access to healthcare wasn’t always simple or certain. I also witnessed the profound difference that community support—or even one dedicated person—could make, and that stayed with me.
My path to becoming a registered dietitian and nutritionist was driven by a desire to work closely with people—particularly those facing eating disorders or complex mental health challenges. Over time, I saw that their struggles often extended far beyond food, rooted instead in issues of access, equity, and systemic barriers. That realization inspired me to return to school for a master’s in nonprofit management and leadership, so I could address those challenges on a broader scale.
Now, I run Our Nourished Bodies, my private practice, while also collaborating with nonprofits to expand access to mental health care on the side. My work is this mix of one-on-one nutrition counseling and big-picture advocacy, and I love that I get to do both.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but each step has been meaningful. I’m grateful that my work allows me to support people in their most vulnerable moments while also shaping the broader changes that will open doors for others in the years to come.
And outside of my work? I’m basically fueled by matcha and curiosity. I’m always up for trying a new cafe or restaurant with friends, plotting my next board game win, or spoiling my two cats like the royalty they clearly think they are. Two foods I absolutely can’t live without are salmon nigiri and pasta. My favorite meal of the day is dinner—especially when it’s shared over a deep, soul-filling conversation with friends, new or old, that goes far beyond the polite “I’m fine, thank you.” I’m a proud Swiftie, and my favorite adventures are the ones I take with my loved ones—whether we’re exploring a new country or just finding the best restaurant in town.
At the end of the day, my story is about weaving together compassion and action, and creating spaces where health isn’t a privilege—it’s a right.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not smooth, but I think that’s what’s shaped me most as both a person, healthcare provider and an entrepreneur. Moving to a new country meant learning to navigate a culture completely different from the one I grew up in, while also figuring out who I am and what I stand for.
I was raised to be independent, but building a business has taught me that independence isn’t about doing everything alone; it’s about balancing self-reliance with leaning on community when it matters most. In my work as a dietitian, I’ve also had to navigate the tension between staying true to my values of equity and accessibility, while also ensuring my practice is sustainable as a business. That’s been one of my biggest and most ongoing challenges.
It hasn’t always been easy, but the relationships I’ve built along the way, friends who feel like family, colleagues, mentors, and my husband, who’s been an unwavering support, have made every hurdle worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Our Nourished Bodies?
I’m the founder of Our Nourished Bodies, a virtual, weight-inclusive nutrition therapy practice based in Nashville and serving clients nationwide. My work centers on disordered eating recovery, intuitive eating, and whole-person nutrition care that’s rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a deep respect for each person’s story.
At Our Nourished Bodies, I offer individual nutrition counseling, family and parent sessions, and meal planning support tailored to each client’s individual needs. My work extends beyond food—we talk about movement, sleep, stress, and daily routines so that your plan fits their real life. For clients in recovery, I provide ongoing encouragement between sessions and work closely with therapists, doctors, and other care providers so everyone is on the same page.
I don’t believe in telling people what to do. My clients know themselves best—my role is to listen, guide, support, help them reflect, and offer ideas. We approach their goals as a team, and I love getting to know each person beyond their nutrition concerns. Those connections are truly the heart of my work.
I’m proud that my clients describe Our Nourished Bodies as a space where they feel safe, understood, and encouraged. This isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about helping you feel at home in your body and confident in the choices you make for yourself.
If there’s one thing I hope readers take away, it’s this: your health isn’t defined by numbers—it’s about how you live, how you feel, and how fully you can show up in your own life unapologetically.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways to connect with me and Our Nourished Bodies, and I truly love hearing from people.
If you’re looking for support with your relationship to food, body image, or a nutrition challenge, we can work together through virtual counseling. I see clients in multiple states, and I also offer family and parent sessions for those walking alongside a loved one in recovery.
If you’re a fellow professional, nonprofit, school, or community group, I’d love to explore how we can collaborate—whether that’s a workshop, a speaking event, building resources together, or designing programs that make nutrition care more accessible.
And if you simply believe in this work, one of the best ways to support it is by sharing my resources, referring someone who might benefit, or starting conversations about how we can create a more compassionate, inclusive, and respectful approach to health.
The easiest way to reach me is through my website. Send me a message, and let’s connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ournourishedbodies.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ournourishedbodies/
