When in high school, most students have insanely busy schedules. Because of this, many teenagers do not have time to prepare healthy meals or have a healthy eating schedule. Maybe you are the person that is so busy that you are forced to snack on foods you do not even enjoy eating. This is a sure sign that eating healthy must be your priority. Having a healthy diet helps you control your schedule, instead of your busy schedule controlling you.

Maybe you’re the type of person that eats healthy, but a lot of it. Slowing down when you are eating causes you to enjoy all the flavors and textures of what is on your plate. Eating slower causes your body to decide when its full instead of shoving as much food in your body as you can. “When you eat instinctively, you eat what you love…you trust your body to let you know when and how much to eat”, says Dr. Michelle May in her book, “Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat”.

When you are little, students learn about the food pyramid and how much a person should eat daily. How many people still remember that and live by the rules? It seems as if no one pays attention to that anymore. Eating healthy provides your body with the necessary nutrients to give you energy and keep you going throughout the day. Not only does it provide you energy but it also helps you manage stress. Many foods that should be the majority of your diet are fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products or dairy substitutes, whole grains, beans, and healthy fats such as nuts, avocado, olive oil, and fish.

Eating a hearty breakfast is one of the most important things to eating healthy. Instead of drinking a large cup of coffee to wake you up, eat a bowl of fresh fruit. The nutrients that are in fruit provide a healthy and natural energy. If you eat a breakfast with protein incorporated, you will be more likely to have lasting energy throughout the day as well.

As a busy teenager, knowing that fast food and processed foods are easily accessible is old news. Because of this, finding a healthy eating strategy is essential to health in the long run. Once you find a healthy eating schedule and diet, stick to it and do not stray. Your body will thank you!