Weight, a very touchy subject for most females. 'Don't ever ask a woman her age or her weight', is something that is repeated many times to young men, and women alike.

How rude is it to ask for someone’s pressure against the surface of this earth? Apparently very.

But a number on a silly little scale is not the motivation that I have to lose the weight this new year. The very reason I am changing my lifestyle and eating habits is to be a better role model.

Have you ever considered the influence you have on those around you? To you eating that third donut might seem like heaven, but how is your choice influencing the people and children around you?

Not everyone is aware of their ability to influence others in their daily lives, and I know that I was not until recently.

One day not too long ago, I was driving in my car and decided to stop at McDonalds in town. When I got out, and went inside I found that one of my students from my student teaching placement was inside. Thrilled by the sight of her teacher outside of school, she immediately greeted and introduced me to her parents. I ordered my food, and patiently waited. Then a few moments later I heard my student mention that she didn't want nuggets anymore because Ms. Pudelko had ordered a burger and she wanted to be just like Ms. Pudelko.

In that brief moment, I saw my future career before my eyes. Did I want to be that teacher who promoted unhealthy living, and habits to my students?

The answer was so simple, no. I did not want to be the teacher who encouraged her students to do anything negative. As their mentor and educator I am here to foster the best little humans possible, and that includes things like showing them how to be kind, what 2+2 equals, and the correct way to take care of themselves. If I continued on this path I would not only be showing my future students that the way that I treated my body was okay, but that I was encouraging them in that same path.

So here is to a new year, and encouraging healthy habits to everyone in our lives.