Today’s Guest – Blandine Posiadala
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
My name is Blandine Posiadala, I am 34 and I own WT Café of South Broward. I used to work in the corporate world in marketing and sales. In 2012, I decided to make a career change and became a French teacher from kindergarten to 12th grade. The primary reason why I have decided to pursue this career is because I feel a strong desire to positively influence and enrich children’s lives.
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
Since I was a child, my parents always taught me the importance of eating healthy. My mother would always prepare a meal with steamed or roasted vegetables with meat or fish. Growing up, I rarely had sodas or cookies at home or even ate fast food. It was only for special occasions. In addition, my parents always made sure that we would practice a sport during the week. My father would tell my brothers and me that exercising was good for relaxation and would help prevent excess weight gain.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
They always made me try every kind of food and told me to give it a chance. They also made sure that I was eating fresh and nutritious food. In my family, meal time was very important and they really made a point that we all eat together to share what happened during the day. Now, for me, eating became more an experience than a meal.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
Now I have become a healthy person and I always make sure to eat a variety of food. I definitely look forward to the experience as much as the meal. And I really avoid processed or fast food!
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
Yes, as a teacher I have the opportunity to convey the importance of healthy eating habits. I have around 150 students that I see and interact with every day. As a French teacher, I was able to prepare a project on French food and explain the importance of eating fresh, home cooked meals. My students were very engaged and I know now they will look at food a different way.
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
I would tell them to have a balanced diet by eating fruits and veggies, and to be adventurous with the food they eat. Just because food is available, inexpensive or tastes good doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best option for them. I would also advise them to practice a sport to keep an active lifestyle.
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?