Inspiration for getting healthy

My last post described my problem: not in shape. Need to lose weight. This post? I'm providing solutions! Or at least inspirations. I've done some Internet research and found a few items that should get me motivated. (Somewhat of an oxymoron, I realize, to be sitting in front of the computer lazily searching for ways to be active and healthy.) Anyway, here we go....

Eat Healthy!
Some summer recipes that look delicious and are health-conscious (thanks Epicurious.com for offering a healthy menu tab!)

Pan Seared Salmon on Baby Arugula
Smoked Turkey, Black Bean, Bell Pepper and Corn Salad
Herb Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes and Feta
Green Bean and Hazelnut Salad
Grilled Portabella and Arugula Burgers
Asian Chicken Salad with Snap Peas and Bok Choy
Peach and Tomato Gazpacho

And for the sweet-tooths out there:
Blueberry-Orange Smoothie
Asian Fruit Salad with Papaya-Mint Sauce
Mini Chocolate Cupcakes
Strawberry Buttermilk Ice
Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Fruit and Maple Yogurt
Grilled Nectarines with Honey Balsamic Glaze
Three Grape Sorbets
Mocha Chip Gelato

Lose Weight!
I found an online weight loss calculator that how long it will take, how many calories you need to burn, etc. to reach a goal weight. It also has a calories burned calculator and other tips: http://www.caloriesperhour.com/. It's free!

I plan on starting a food diary that goes over how much I really eat in a day. (I think I will be surprised, and not in a good way.) For $9 a month, you can log this scary information online at http://www.myfooddiary.com/.

Be Active!
Self.com and Shape.com have a lot of online content featuring workout ideas. Also check out Workoutsforwomen.com for a free library of stretches, a free newsletter, tip of the day, workout of the week and more.

I personally like jogging outside versus the indoor machine workout. Going outside changes things up a bit, and it's easy to find targets to say, "Okay, I'll run to the lightpost, I'll go a bit further to the stop sign," etc. It's a good way to push yourself and not stare at how far you've gone down to the hundredth of the mile (like you do, or at least I do, on treadmills).

Shop Healthy!
I've strayed from my usual healthy-shopping habits, mainly due to a lack of time. But especially in the summer, it's easy to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. I read somewhere that you should shop on the perimeter of the grocery store--this is where you find produce, fresh meats, dairy, etc. You avoid the boxed dinners and preservative-filled items this way. It really works!!

Of course, the "shop healthy" term also takes on a new meaning when you consider the green movement. I've been trying to incorporate this more into my life recently. I'm using cloth bags whenever possible to shop. I just bought a roll-up bag that is only about an inch around when compact, but turns into a big bag when opened. Plus, it's waterproof, durable and hand-washable. Hooray! There are also a lot of cute cloth bags out there. Enviro-tote.com has a great selection, and you can have the bags printed with a company or organization logo!

The "shop healthy" idea can be taken into the fashion world, too. Certain designers, like Stella McCartney, have a focus on organic materials. Some people choose to shop vintage and resale to do their part in recycling what's already been made (plus, there are some great vintage pieces out there too!). It helps to know your stuff and do a little research. Once you're aware of how things are made, or the ethical practices behind manufacturing or mining, you may choose an alternative to avoid participating. Moissanite is the perfect choice to avoid the questionable ethics surrounding the diamond mining trade, for example. Moissanite has over 2 times the fire of diamond, is nearly colorless and just as brilliant...plus it's a fraction of the price! Sometimes it pays off to do a little research! You end up with something equal or better and you're saving the earth and the people that inhabit it.

So I got a little off-track from my weight-loss/get-in-shape post, but to truly be healthy I believe you need to take a look at all aspects of not only your life, but life all around you too. How's that for inspiration! It feels good just thinking about being healthy.