【推荐2】I was truly delighted by the beauty that I enjoyed when I came to this country. My journey started when I was in my senior year at the University of Ottawa. As a health science major, I’d always planned on just applying to medical schools and continuing my studies in some fashion or another country.

After four years of intense studies, something just didn’t feel right. I felt a strong urge to make a change. It was 2008. I began searching for alternatives to what most university graduates see as their two options: enter the workforce, or continue studying.

But I knew I wanted something completely different. I didn’t have money to travel, but I was searching for an idea that could allow me to leave whenever I want. Despite never having left my country, I felt the urge to explore.

I spent my final few months as a student researching all of my options and soon had made up my mind that I was going to teach English in a foreign country. Quickly I was able to narrow down the options to either Japan, South Korea, or China.

Finally, I set China as my destination. The moment I set foot on this magical land, my eyes were opened, and my mind transformed. This was the beginning of a new lifestyle for me. The culture shock was real, but at the same time, it could get people back on their feet. I spent the next few years studying everything under the sun about marketing, online business creation, and sales.

Fast forward a few years, and that site has grown enough to fund my travels. Therefore, I decide I never look back, and I’m determined to start a new life on this land.

【推荐3】Including a healthy diet and exercise in one’s busy schedule isn’t that easy. Yet Martina Laird, 31, managed to do so.

I’ve always loved power walking. I was in theatre in Stratford a few years ago and used to walk along a disused railway line. The sights are beautiful and it was so relaxing a type of walking meditation (沉思) with headphones on. I find gyms terrible and boring. I can’t see the point in getting a personal trainer. I don’t like the idea of having someone beside me while I exercise.

I don’t own a car, which means I walk everywhere. It really keeps me fit. I’d love to get a mountain bike. Bristol, where we film, has so many hills that cycling back from work each day would be an amazing exercise on its own.

I love fine food, but I don’t eat red meat or dairy products (奶制品). Cutting out bread has also made an amazing difference to my health. I have so much more energy. I always stick to healthy food and make my own juices for breakfast. When it’s freezing cold, I make my soups and take them to work. But I’m not perfect. I have my days of reaching for the biscuits. I also like to eat candies in the evening. They have left a bad influence on my teeth. I really want to stop and I’m giving it a try.

I’m really happy with my health and I’m about 75% happy with myself. But like any woman, I still a little admire that other 25%. As a woman in this profession, you can’t help comparing yourself to your workmates. There’s some pressure to be thin on TV, but I’m a role model and I don’t want to put out the message to young viewers that being underweight is healthy. You can only make the most of what you’ve got.