Healthy lifestyles begin with diet

Good health is a prized possession many Americans wish to attain, but instead continue to engage in bad, unhealthy habits.
 Due to poor dieting and heavy indulgence of unhealthy foods, junk and cheap fast foods, people suffer from being overweight or obese.
 According to USA Today's "Percentage of severely obese adults skyrockets" article, two-thirds of the U.S. population is obese or overweight. A person's body mass index determines whether or not a person is normal, overweight or obese.
To be considered obese, a person must have a BMI of 30 or higher, extreme obesity 40 or higher.
Many are aware of the U.S. being the fattest country in the world, but fail to take responsibility and place blame elsewhere for this issue. Reason being the cost of healthy foods are too high, the numerous amount of fast food restaurants, junk and fast food are easier to access, and busy schedules.
"Some people have a lot of work to do and try to find the easiest way out and some just don't care," said senior marketing major William Nunley.
Sophomore criminal justice major and physical trainer Dominique Jackson also believes those are not valid excuses for unhealthy eating. "I'm on a budget and I'm still eating healthy. There are plenty of books and resources out there that show you how to be able to eat healthy for less," he said.
Excessive consumption of fats, salts, sugars, processed and artificial foods increases the risk of acquiring correlating diseases and health conditions.
Common health related issues include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, which could lead to heart disease or stroke, diabetes, cancer and even death. Mental related issues also come with the consumption of unhealthy foods.
Unhealthy eating can also affect mental health. Fatigue, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and stress are contributing factors to unhealthy eating habits.
There are numerous ways to begin and continue living a healthy lifestyle such as dietary changes, exercise, and positive state of mind.
Junior nutrition major Jarrod Walker said, "Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet as possible. Our bodies are made mostly of water. Although most fluids and foods contain water that will help keep our bodies hydrated, fresh, clean, plain water is still the best and healthiest beverage for maintaining a healthy body."