A Healthier Way by Alexis

A Healthier Way by Alexis - March 2017 Scholarship Essay

Hello, students. My name is Alexis. The first impression you are about to have about me will surely be a stark contrast to what you would have thought of me a year ago. A-year-ago Alexis would have timidly walked on stage, crossed her arms, and spoke quietly, daydreaming of the second I no longer had to be on stage. But today I stand, confident as ever and more sure of myself than I have ever been. I did not drink a magic potion that made me this way, or get plastic surgery to do away with my imperfections. I simply started treating my body better by eating healthy and exercising. And it is the best decision I have ever made.
I am nowhere near my initial goal, which was to have a flat stomach and a toned everywhere else. But the reason I feel so confident is due to the change in my mentality. I am not confident because I look better, I am confident because I feel better and I am better. I now walk around with a pep in my step and a positive energy exuding from my every word. I have achieved principal’s honor roll, obtained a job, and maintained a healthy relationship with my parents. I owe all of that and more to my new healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy and exercised has made my mind sharp and my motivation strong. I look forward to every new day and treat my body as the temple that it is.
The American diet is high in saturated fats and simple carbs (the bad carbohydrates). We all need to take it upon ourselves and start making nutritious changes to our diet as well as trying to exercise more. It will do wonders to your day to day life that you never thought possible. Stop underestimating the abilities of fruits, veggies, and fiber.
I challenge teens around the world to start making better food choices and eating foods that are high in nutrition. Your body and brain will thank you later. I plan to implement such ideas for my career path when I graduate from college. For now, I am in high school and can do my best by encouraging friends and family to make better life choices. We have the gift of healthy food at our fingertips, we simply have to take advantage of it and be thankful for it.
Thank you for your time, students!