The Truth About Eating Healthier (As Told By a Girl Who Prefers Not To)

I hate eating healthy. Ask anyone who knows me, and they'll tell you I'm much more likely to pick up a cupcake than a piece of broccoli or spinach. I've never been one for diets, and even once my metabolism slows down I can't ever see myself monitoring my food intake the way I've seen so many women in my life do (even though who knows for sure, my mother always says children change you in ways you couldn't believe). But lately, my unhealthy habits have make me feel a little slower- less able to keep up with the hustle and bustle lifestyle I've always maintained. I considered dieting, since I've also put on that dreaded fifteen pounds that come with the unlimited dining hall food freshman year. But rather than counting carbs, I decided to continue to eat normally, just consciously choosing healthier choices rather than the deliciously sugary foods I craved.

At first, it was difficult. I didn't enjoy eating things that weren't fried or loaded with so much sugar you couldn't bear to read the label. I had never put much thought into what I was eating, and I certainly wasn't reading labels to determine which things were good and bad. But I've found that slowly, I've stopped craving those unhealthy foods I've always loved. Not only do I feel better and more energized by eating healthier, but I didn't even feel the need to break it. Of course there's the occasional indulgence (I still can't resist cookie dough ice cream or a piece of crumb cake), but I don't feel like I NEED it. I've actually started craving fruit and vegetables more, which if you had told me 5 years ago I would have laughed in your face.

Now I'm not saying that this is the ultimate diet. I understand that this doesn't work for everyone, and I can't say I really went into it with a "diet" mindset (although my stomach does look flatter and my skin cleared up almost instantly). I really just went into it wanting to feel more like myself again and have the energy to get through the day. However, for the girl who loves sweets as much as I do, I want to let you know that you CAN work on building healthy habits, and you should!