Second-hand Smoking Hotness

You know how they say, “tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are”? Well, while clichés get old and annoying fast, I think this one applies nicely to the realm of health. I am more apt to keep up my healthy lifestyle when I am surrounded by others who do the same. In fact, I run faster on the treadmill when I’m running next to my sexy, Britney Spears look-a-like friend. I choose healthier meals at restaurants when my other friend opts for the salad with the dressing on the side. But, if your friends prefer the lifestyles of the plump and lazy, don’t throw out your gym shoes — turn on your t.v. Yea, I said it! Turn on your t.v.! And open up another Internet page while you’re at it. Second-hand motivation can come from anywhere you want it to.

I keep my life full of reminders of the lifestyle I’m trying to maintain through e-mail subscriptions to healthy recipes and tips (my favorites are Hungry Girl and Eat This, Not That), through t.v. shows like BBC’s “You Are What You Eat” and NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” through calories counters such as Calorie King and Fit Day, and, most importantly, by making myself accountable. You may say that I have weight management OCD. I’ll be the first to concede that it is a possibility; but I’ll also smile and ask how you like my low cholesterol and skinny jeans. If you want inspiration and you’re not getting it close to home, seek it out. It’s there!

Any tips on where you get your motivation from? Like the shows I watch, sites I visit? Have more to add?

Tags: food, healthy food, healthy living, inspiration, support