Why does it seem that losing weight and eating right is so hard? Well, when fast-food cheeseburgers cost a dollar but a bundle of spinach and a cucumber costs five dollars, eating healthy can sometimes be a financial burden. Why are unhealthy food options so cheap, but healthier choices cost three times more? Also, unhealthy food just tastes so much better. Chocolate cake or asparagus? Which one sounds tastier to you?

After my first year of college, I knew I needed to change my eating habits. I didn't want to eat pizza every night or go out for food. I'd rather make something myself that is healthy for me. Eating healthy is hard, I will admit. However, I have made a few small changes that have made a big difference in my own health. Starting small has only pushed me to get better. Every day, I am finding new ways to be healthy that I enjoy.

For those just starting out, here are a few of the small changes that I made in my eating habits, which made a huge difference.

1. Switch from white rice to brown rice

Before white rice is refined, it looked exactly like brown rice. Through refinement, the rice loses its side hulls and bran. The side hulls and bran are what gives the rice "natural wholeness." Brown rice is full of proteins, calcium and fiber, which are important in a healthy lifestyle. Personally, I can't taste a difference between the two, so it was an easy switch to make!

2. Use olive oil rather than other oils

Olive oil is extremely rich in antioxidants, which many other oils are not. Olive oil is also high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFAs are extremely beneficial in fighting heart disease and other chronic inflammation diseases. However, when looking at olive oils, stick with extra-virgin olive oil. It is extracted using natural methods unlike some other refined or "light" olive oils.

3. Incorporate fruits and vegetables

This doesn't mean switching to a salad for every meal. You can still enjoy your thick, juicy steak, just not one half the size of your plate. You can still enjoy the same foods, just eat them in smaller portions. Have vegetables be the main focus of your meal. Instead of reaching for a brownie after every meal, try an apple or a pear.

4. Whole wheat/grain over white bread

The concept of whole wheat bread over white bread is the same as the rice. Whole grain bread has more fiber and nutrients than white bread. Because some of the nutrients have been removed from the bread, manufacturers add unnatural fortifications to the bread to try to make up for what was lost. Again, I don't see much of a taste difference - I even think whole wheat tastes better than white bread.

5. Don't deny yourself a treat once in a while

Just because you are eating healthy, it doesn't mean that you can't indulge every so often. The key here is moderation. Don't have a bowl of ice cream every night. Try for a few times a month. Make it a special occasion! You are allowed to treat yourself sometimes, just don't go overboard.

Healthy eating can be hard to start, but it shouldn't be. If you start with these tips, you are starting the steps toward a healthier lifestyle and a healthier you!