Do you remember in elementary, middle, and high school health class when you walked into the classroom, saw a colorful triangle on the board and immediately knew what that day would be about? The food pyramid. No matter how many times that pyramid changed (honestly, before writing this article, I was not completely sure of the latest model!), there was always a central message being taught; have a balanced diet. Eat your fruits and vegetables and limit those sweets! Live a healthy lifestyle.

Now, let’s set things straight. I am in no way saying that I never eat sweets and I am the healthiest person in the world. I, too, have indulged with an entire pint of Ben and Jerry’s in one sitting (later to find out that was about an entire day’s worth of calories-oops!). I am, however, saying that the norm today seems to be not choosing the healthiest food options. Along with this, here in the United States, it has not been very easy to stay away from these harmful choices. I believe that that the United States must take the initiative to become a healthier nation overall. It may seem as if the nation has reached a point of no-return with the over-sized portions and the 35.7% of American adults being overweight, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. It is also the case that eating healthy has unfavorably become hard to practice. We all know that case. We head to the grocery store, looking for some snacks. As we walk down the aisle, we see some organic options that seem healthy enough. Just as we go to grab them, we see the Oreos, which are conveniently $2.00 cheaper. We buy the Oreos. Living healthy has become expensive! With so many options to drive thru the nearest fast food restaurant and grab a burger and soda, we seem to have lost the will to go home and make a fresh salad instead. Although this is the case, however, I have confidence that with the upcoming election, there is potential for a new present to turn things around, similar to the actions that Michelle Obama has taken to promote a healthier America.

Although it is the issues typically focused on in the ongoing presidential race are how the candidate will better the economy or how one will handle the issue of abortions, it is also necessary that they focus on how the candidates will work to provide for a healthy, fit, and conscious America. Whether this be preventing fast food chains from serving high calorie, abnormally large portions, or increasing nutrition

education in schools, there is great potential to increase the healthiness of American citizens. While it is imperative that we pay attention to furthering our economy, voting on bills, and argue for constitutional rights, we cannot forget those living in the United States must be healthy and live long enough to reap the benefits of the policies that will be in effect. So, as you head to the polling place in November, think about what candidate will not only help the way our nation works, but will help the lives of the people in the nation.