“Put good in, get good out”. This has seemed to be the motto of my family and of other organic-food-loving-Whole-Foods-frequenting-eaters nationwide.

Though we have always followed my mom’s example of eating fresh and healthy foods, it was during my middle school years that the organic food movement burst onto the scene as my family was the first to jump on board. Since then, I look forward to our weekly trips to Whole Foods and Fresh Market, find myself searching labels for preservatives and pesticides, and can admit that I am following in my mom’s organic-food-junkie footsteps.

Though my school lunches (which often consist of oddities like chia seed drinks, asparagus soup,  pumpkin almond flour muffins, balsamic beets, and lentil chips) make for a few eye rolls and laughs from my friends, I am a true believer in the health benefits such foods offer. It has been proven that organic foods have higher antioxidant value, reduced pesticide and antibiotic exposure, and lack genetically modified organisms, according to healthyeating.com.

But more than anything, I find that the healthier and more naturally I eat, the better I feel. I find myself having more energy, able to concentrate better in school, and overall feeling happier than I would if I filled my body with processed foods from the vending machines or frequented Chick-Fil-A for lunch. When I put good in, I seem to truly get good out.

But I’ve learned that being so health food crazy all the time is unreasonable. One must treat themselves to a burger or piece of cake every now and then.  It is when such indulging becomes a daily occurrence that it can become dangerous.

Think of all the preservatives, additives, artificial colors and sweeteners packed into the foods we eat daily. Take a look at the label of any bag of chips, candy bar, or cookie and try to pronounce the names of the ingredients. Butylated hydroxytoluene? Monosodium Glutamate? Dimethylpolysiloxane? Sodium Propyl P Hydroxybenzonate? Well, I don’t know about you, but I don’t know what those are and I sure do not want them in my body.

I do not find it to be a coincidence that as the food we consume becomes worse for us, people seem to be getting sick more often with cancers and diseases than they had in the past. Have you ever thought that perhaps all of the hormones and preservatives we absentmindedly pump into our bodies are leading to our deadly health scares?

Personally, I would choose to live a long, healthy life over eating foods that absolutely taste great, but are working negatively within my body. Forming healthy and organic habits starts today and can help create a healthier lifestyle. So to all of the sceptics out there, I encourage you to think twice the next time you have the choice between junk and natural foods, for it is a choice that can change both the way you feel and live.