Tom DO VAN LANH // Fun tutorials for better nutrition
Tom DO VAN LANH – 22 years old – Born in Paris (Val-de-Marne, 94) – Resident of Montpellier since 2015 – Currently pursuing a degree: Professional Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Human Food Science (NAH) atthe Montpellier-Sète University Institute of Technology (IUT)
“I want to work in nutrition in developing countries.”
[ Could you introduce yourself in a few words? ] – My name is Tom Do Van Lanh. I was born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges in the 94, near Paris. I came to Montpellier to take this program because I hope to work in nutrition in developing countries in the future—a focus of this program that isn’t offered anywhere else.
“I love food more than anything! Preparing it, cooking it, and especially enjoying it!”
[ What are your passions? What do you do in your free time? ] – I have so many! I love sports, especially track and field, which I compete in with the MA2M—Montpellier Athletic Méditerranée Métropole; I do short-distance sprinting. I love the thrill this sport gives me, and it really helps me unwind after class. I enjoy reading manga and watching Japanese anime—it was thanks to my older brother that I got into these books. And of course, in line with my studies, I love food more than anything! Preparing it, cooking it, and above all, enjoying it!
“A continuation of my training that allows me to expand my skills”
[ What are you studying? ] – I’m currently pursuing a professional bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Human Dietetics at theMontpellier IUT. Before that, I earned a BTS in Dietetics in the Paris region before entering the professional bachelor’s program (you can also gain admission through a DUT in Biological Engineering with a Dietetics track). This builds on my previous education and allows me to broaden my skills in the areas of management, clinical research, nutrition education, prevention, and more…
“Through Blabla’plat, I offer tutorials on sustainable eating.”
[ To help students with their daily meals, you took part in the Blabla’plat project. Blabla-what? ] – Blabla’plat is a series of videos produced by students in our program. It’s designed to help students with their daily meals by focusing on four themes we’ve chosen:
> Comparison of store-bought meals vs. homemade meals,
> cooking with leftovers,
> using the microwave
> cooking with fruits and vegetables.
These videos were created as part of an intervention research project on the topic of “sustainable food”, supervised by Ms. Virginie Masdoua, our project advisor. It was funded by the French Fund for Healthy Eating and supported by various partners, including the DRAAF, the Languedoc-Roussillon Regional Health Agency (ARS), and the University Department of Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion.
“In nutrition, you can’t skip breakfast!”
[ What's your typical day like? ] – In the morning, I wake up and have breakfast (especially since I’m on a diet—I can’t skip it!): fruit juice, yogurt, and slices of fresh bread with jam.
I hop on my bike and race to catch the tram, then it’s off to a day of intense classes. At noon, a quick lunch at the IUT cafeteria, then after classes end at 6 p.m., three times a week, we head to the Phillipidès Stadium for a track and field (and interval training) session…
In the evening, we come home, enjoy a cozy meal in front of a good TV show, and of course, we study!
“The library… DVDs of recent movies and TV shows that you can borrow—and I’m all for that.”
[ What's your favorite spot on campus? ] – The library on the Triolet campus—it’s a big space with lots of resources, and they even have DVDs of recent movies and TV shows that you can borrow, and I’m all for that!
“The Jardin des Plantes, one of the most beautiful places, especially when the sun comes out”
[ What's your favorite place in Montpellier? ] – The Jardin des Plantes on Boulevard Henri IV, one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever visited; it’s especially pleasant when the sun comes out, and it features many varieties of plants I wasn’t necessarily familiar with.
Check out Tom's Blabla’plat project : Eating Well on a Student Budget
Call for Participants: If you'd also like to take part in our presentation of students from the University of Montpellier, please write to us.