As growing teenagers, the most important thing is to stay fit and healthy. We determine our health and lifestyle for our future. Having a good, healthy lifestyle comes from eating right, sleep, and exercising regularly.

Eating right as a teen can help to prevent dieting problems in the future. Eating too much or not eating at all is very dangerous. Start by making sure that you eat at all three meal times, starting with breakfast. You might like a big breakfast with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and some orange juice, but if you don’t have time or just don’t like breakfast foods, you have options. Try a granola bar on the way out the door or make yourself a smoothie with some fresh or frozen fruit. And speaking about fruit, it is crucial to have different food groups on your plate for lunch and dinner. You should always try to have fruits and/or vegetables, protein, carbs, and be sure to have something to drink. Milk is always a good option because it helps your bones get stronger. Orange juice on the other hand has vitamin C, or even just water will hydrate you. Some doctors say you should drink half your weight, but in ounces. So if you are 150 pounds, then try to drink at least 75 ounces everyday. It is important to keep drinking even in the winter because we still get dehydrated even though the weather is cold and we don’t feel thirsty. In the end, be aware of what you eat daily and think to yourself if this is a healthy decision.

Teens also struggle with sleep. I mean, most are very talented at this but they can’t seem to find time to do it, or chose not to. Whether it is because of homework, or because of speech and debate, or dance, or Netflix, we often forget the importance of sleep and the effects of not getting enough. Studies show that 10-12 hours of sleep for teenagers is the proper amount for teenagers. However most cannot say that they get this. Not sleeping can cause headaches as well as result in not being alert or able to focus. Lack of sleep can also lead to coffee addiction which is not healthy either. Overall, find time in your schedule to lay down and sleep.

Are you done napping? Lastly, regular exercise is very important. Exercising can also help you feel more awake and happy about your life. Exercising gets your body moving and working which helps you feel accomplished at the end of the day. Exercise also keeps you fit, which will lead to a healthy lifestyle in the future. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to exercise. Try playing a sport just for fun, or take a daily walk or run, or go on a hike. The more you do it the better you will get, and the healthier you will be. Eat+Sleep+Exercise=Happy.