As part of my new web series, The Role Model In You, here is my most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. I hope you enjoy it!

1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

My name is Qiana Martin. I am an international athlete, global soccer ambassador and owner of Eat Soccer.

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

My maternal grandmother, Mrs. Lucille J. Haynes, taught me the importance of drinking water, eating nutritious foods and staying active.

3. What did they do to inspire you?

As the self-appointed cook and nurse of our family, my grandmother’s passion for nutrition led her to read hundreds of pages on the subject, apply what she learned and share this information with our family and the people in our local community. She taught me the importance of reading ingredient labels, using natural remedies to heal wounds, taking vitamins and consuming large amounts of fruits, vegetables and water.

4. How did their lesson change your life?

My grandmother’s influence, on shaping my perspective on eating, had a profound effect on me. I rarely had to go to the doctor for any physical ailments during my childhood. Now that I am older, I use the same information that she taught me to determine what I should be eating every day, and she is the first person I call when an unexpected illness arises.

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?

I have the good fortune of coming into contact with countless numbers of children through my involvement in soccer and other youth outreach initiatives. When given the opportunity, I always let children know how to find great tasting foods to eat that will help their bodies develop and perform in the best possible way.

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

A food label does not lie. It will tell you what exactly is going to happen when you eat it. If you eat something that is labeled “junk” food, it will trash your body. If you eat nutritious food, it will nourish your body.

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?

www.qianamartin.com