Creating a healthy lifestyle
by an anonymous student

twenty-first century life differs radically from previous periods in history. while equipped with advanced technology and life-saving medical breakthroughs, life’s basic needs remain the same. more importantly, given the heightened demands of this advanced age, society works harder and longer hours often at the sacrifice of healthy living. at a young age, a strong emphasis should be placed on creating a healthy lifestyle. eating well, staying active, and having a positive outlook are part of living a healthy lifestyle.

when fast food and microwaveable meals provide convenient eating options, eating healthy meals becomes a difficult choice. given the hectic scheduling of modern families, picking up burger king between school and soccer practice becomes the best use of time. however, most food options on a fast food menu do not provide adequate vitamins and minerals to fuel a growing body, especially when consumed regularly. the american dietetic association suggests fresh fruits, vegetables, granola bars, lean sandwiches as a better fit for the human body’s nutritional needs. plus, by learning to eat well at a young age, people lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy choices.

along with eating nutritional foods, people need an active lifestyle to remain healthy and fit. the american heart association recommends 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily to prevent heart disease and maintain muscle strength. having a strong heart improves the body’s overall health and function, increasing endurance and proper circulation of vitamins and other nutrition throughout the body. physically fit individuals enjoy increased confidence, more fitful sleep, and higher energy levels than less active people. combined with good nutrition, physical fitness promotes healthy living.

even if the body functions at its very best, a positive outlook enhances these benefits of healthy living. a positive outlook relies on an individual’s ability to see good in other people and in life events even when they are challenging, difficult, or painful. people with a positive outlook, often called optimists, possess a certain degree of resilience: they believe in themselves and in their strength to overcome adversity, or hard times. being positive not only brings more joy into life but it brings more opportunities: people want to know why someone is so happy! when individuals feel good about themselves they make good choices for their life.

healthy living requires proper nutrition, physical activity, and optimism. though fast food options are convenient, good nutritional choices better suit the body’s needs. exercise maintains the heart’s health and overall well-being. a positive outlook brightens the darkest of days. in the modern world, a healthy lifestyle is well worth the effort.

which paragraphs contain the thesis statement?
a. 2 and 5 c. 1 and 5 d. 3 and 4 b. 1 and 2

which of the following best reflects the essay’s structure?
a. conclusion, body, introduction
b. introduction, body, conclusion
c. least to most important
d. most important to least

which of the following is the thesis statement from the essay above?
a. when fast food and microwaveable meals provide convenient eating options, eating healthy meals becomes a difficult choice.
b. along with eating nutritional foods, people need an active lifestyle to remain healthy and fit.
c. even if the body functions at its very best, a positive outlook enhances these benefits of healthy living
d. eating well, staying active, and having a positive outlook are part of living a healthy lifestyle.