Diet-related diseases are currently the leading cause of death in the United States of America. (TEDtalks) We can make a change to help reduce these numbers, change starts with your personal health. By decreasing the amount of processed foods you eat and increasing the amount of fresh produce you eat and the amount of exercise you get, you are actively improving the quality of your physical health. You can help others by encouraging them to do the same. Even if you feel like you're indestructible at this point in your life, it's imperative to take care of your body now so that it stays in good condition as you age. What we eat today impacts our future, so it's essential to make sure you're meeting your nutritional and physical activity needs. Eating healthy foods like lean meats, nuts, whole grains and fresh produce has several benefits. A healthy diet not only provides essential nutrients but also helps balance the body. Eating well can provide more energy, help reduce stress, improve your hair, skin and nails, as well as improve your overall physical, emotional, internal and external health (WebMD and interview with Ms. Otto). A healthy diet can even help prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various cancers, kidney stones and bone loss. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can also reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol. (WebMD and Choosemyplate.gov) Choosemyplate.gov recommends one and a half to two cups of fruit and two and a half to three cups of vegetables each day for adolescents ages 14 to 18. Exercise is also known to improve fitness and health. . By exercising frequently, a person reaps many benefits, including maintaining a healthy weight, getting more sleep each time... middle of paper ....... "Sugar Love (a not so sweet story)." National Geographic Sugar, Why We Can't Resist It, August 2013: 78-97. National Geographic. Internet. October 23, 2013. MagazineOtto, Tina. “Nutrition and Exercise Awareness Interview Project.” » Personal interview. November 16, 2013. President's Council on Fitness Sports and Nutrition. “Be active, eat well.” Aptitude. President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, nd Web. October 23, 2013. TEDtalks website: Chew this: Teach every child about food. Real. Jamie Oliver. Perf. Jamie Oliver. TEDtalks, 2010. Netflix.USDA. “ChooseMyPlate.gov.” ChooseMyPlate.gov. USDA, and Web. October 23, 2013. WebsiteWebMD. “Healthy eating: the benefits of a healthier diet. » WebMD. WebMD, July 19, 2011. Web. December 3. 2013. .