Being healthy seems to be the new trend. The grocery stores are stocked with the latest organic and health foods on the market and everyone is looking for new ways to eat right as well as find new ways to enjoy organic and healthy food.
I think this new trend is a terrific thing. I think itís time that we start really thinking about whatís in our food and what weíre putting in our bodies when we eat it.
For so long, the markets have been dominated by heavily processed foods that have no nutritional value to us. Itís great that the trends are turning more toward natural and organic foods, but that doesnít mean itís always easy to keep up.
I know that eating healthy and organic meals is the best way to go. However, I admit I donít always follow my own advice. I do my best to focus on eating healthy but under stress it is not always an easy task.
Like many busy students, when choosing between the quick option and the healthy option, regrettably, the quick option often prevails.
Balancing school, work and extracurricular activities does not always mean having a balanced diet. Meals and snacks often turn into a question of what is easiest and quickest rather than what is healthy.
While studying or working on scholarship or college applications, itís way too easy to reach for a variety of snacks kept in my cabinet at home.
After late nights of work, homework and studying, I also donít always get as much sleep as I need. This is the reason why many students have recently been turning to caffeinated soda and energy drinks to get a boost. These drinks can be especially damaging to our health, but that is sometimes easy to forget when youíre desperate for an afternoon pick-me-up.
My parents do what they can to help me have good eating habits. We try to keep our fridge free of processed foods and stocked with fresh produce and healthy options.
My parents arenít always going to be looking over my shoulder to make sure Iím steering clear of all my bad eating habits. Next year Iíll be away at college, and the college diet is notorious for being dominated by pizza, soda and ramen noodles.
I am aware, however, that these are not excuses for having a poor diet. Having respect for my personal health is my responsibility and I should do my best to treat my body well. Itís my hope that I have the self control and willpower to change my eating habits for the better, and that the country changes in the same way.
Emma Post is a senior at Salisbury High School.