Everyone always says that dieting is hard or that exercising is too much effort to work toward, but the reality is that being the healthiest version of yourself is easier than you think. The first thing you need to understand is that when you diet, exercise, or try to be healthier, you do not need to be perfect. Trying to be that amazing healthy person is impossible; you need to be the best that you can be. This can be accomplished by doing things that you may not even think are healthy, like going out with friends or going to Defy Gravity for an hour. These things that seem like fun can really help you reach your goal of bettering yourself. Another way to make being healthy easier is not dieting, but making the healthy foods and activities a part of your lifestyle. All the small things you do can really go a long way!

One of the most important parts of the equation is food. When beginning to think about what you want to eat or what to buy at the store, think about your individual needs. When asked about what she eats to prepare for the day, junior Lauren Brasswell says, “Eating healthy will allow you to be more alert and focused… And will benefit you in the long run.” Do you get sleepy in your first period class? Try getting some almonds or bananas. These foods are sure to help you wake up and start the day off right. Do you find yourself hungry before second period is over? Popcorn can really help you. It is sure to fill you up, and you can take it everywhere you go in a small bag or container. Are you still thirsty after having the extra large soda? Try drinking some water. Water helps to cure your thirst, and it could help you lose weight as well as stay in a good mood throughout the day.  

 These food tips are sure to help, but what if you do not have enough time to plan your meals for the day? If this is true for you, here are some healthy alternatives that can be reached in the fast food industry! Take Chick-Fil-A for example; they have healthy alternatives that are already on the menu. Try getting the grilled chicken sandwich instead of fried chicken, or getting the chicken breast without breading. These alternative are just as good and get rid of the fried and fatty part of the food. If you like Moe’s, try avoiding the chips and queso. They add hundreds of extra calories and extra sodium content. You can also opt for a soft tortilla shell rather than a hard shell. This will help get rid of extra calories and fat that are in the deep fried shells. These healthy alternatives do not just apply to Moe’s and Chick-Fil-A; all the small things you can do to avoid the added fats, preservatives, and calories take you the extra step forward!

 Making the healthy choices a part your lifestyle seems easy enough, but sometimes it can be difficult. Just remember that everything is working toward the end goal of helping yourself. Also, make sure to remember that the small stuff can take you a long way. Making the effort to go with your friends to laser tag or Adventure Landing can really help your long term goal of becoming healthier. All you need to do is take the first step.