Jogging on the treadmill, I look to my right and see a Taco Bell through the window. As sweat runs down my face, I think about hopping off and going right next door to eat a Nacho Fries Box. Then, I remember that the Nacho Fries Box is 1,060 calories and would take three straight hours of working out to burn off.

This is the battle I’m currently fighting. Whenever there is a decision to be made, I always try to go for the healthy one. Even if I don’t go for the healthy option, I make it by pushing my limits at the gym. I can drive to my gym that’s four minutes away–that’s easy. However, avoiding the temptation to eat junk food everywhere I go is the real challenge.

In December 2017, I was unhappy with my physical state and I wanted that to change. After I did my own research about eating habits and working out, I found a routine online and started to follow it religiously. That meant going to the gym daily, sticking to a strict eating schedule and controlling my junk food intake.

After a couple of months, I realized that I was actually making progress. My leg muscles were growing stronger and the people I was close to noticed that I was losing weight. Seeing the change in my body kept up my motivation to continue–and that’s what drives me to still workout now.

To avoid consuming unhealthy food, I plan out what I am going to eat ahead of time. When I have to go to a restaurant, I research the menu options. I sometimes have to decline plans because of the food that’s available, but other times I’ll just work out what I ate.

Knowing how to fight against temptations and promote a healthier lifestyle should be a priority for everyone. As long as the itch to skip workout days and eat badly can be overcome by the drive for healthy living, the road to a better life will be smoother.

So think about your body and what’s important for it. Remember, it’s the only one you’ll ever have.