Nutrition is an important factor of life; it is what keeps us alive now and it influences many entities of the human body.

“What we eat influences our emotions and our emotions, in turn, influence our choices in food,” said Heather Monroa.

The healthy habits and nutrition at San Pasqual High School are being recognized by many health teachers. The health teachers have informed their students about nutrition and vigorous eating habits because it’s a major issue in America during this generation.

Teenagers are preparing themselves for the adult world, which means they are old enough to choose what they should consume and what they shouldn’t.

“As you get older, you’re able to start making your own decisions about a lot of things that matter most to you,” the NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease) states on their website.

The teenage years can be rough from a nutrition perspective. Teenagers can fall into depression due to lack of good nutrition. This can include eating junk food or food high in sugar and salt.

“A 2013 study found that the risk of depression is 25 to 35 percent lower in those who eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, grains and fish while avoiding processed foods and sugars,” Monroa said.

Teens also have trouble with nutrition if they are being pressured to do things that can harm their bodies. This can also occur if they are being pressured to be perfect.

“Some teens try to lose weight by eating very little, cutting whole groups of foods like foods with carbohydrates or “carbs,” skipping meals, or fasting,” said the NIDDK.

When it comes to food, there are a few items that aren’t the best for your well being and they can always be replaced with healthier alternatives.

“Try to replace foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat protein foods, and fat free or low-fat dairy foods,” said the NIDDK.

Many foods and drinks that we consume today contain an incredible amount of sodium, which can cause numerous health issues.

“Getting too much sodium from your foods and drinks can raise your blood pressure, which is unhealthy for your heart and body in general,” said the NIDDK.  

Although, being healthy doesn’t just mean that one has to eat healthy, but one also has to exercise and be active.

You can stay active by doing activities such as: “hiking, surfing, bike riding. Any sport you enjoy the most so you keep playing it your entire life,” said San Pasqual teacher Luebke.

People who live a healthy lifestyle continue it because it’s something that they personally enjoy. Most agree that one has to have a positive mindset in order to do so.

“People need to want to be in shape for themselves because if someone is just making you, you will not keep up the healthy lifestyle,” said Luebke.

Eating healthy can be fun, as people can be influenced in many ways to start being active and eating food that is good for them.

“Feeling good about yourself is all about having mind, body, and soul,” said Luebke.