The Opposite Lifestyles

by Sarah

Before coming to America, I had always known the stereotype of its big portions. I was told to never order a large in a restaurant, maybe a medium if you were really hungry. Also, all the ‘good’ food, was supposedly from America; burgers, mac and cheese, chocolate chip cookies and hotdogs. However, after coming here I’ve also seen the different side of the Los Angeles lifestyle. In every restaurant the amount of calories is mentioned, there is always a light option available and on every corner of a street you will find either a juice store or a gym. 

Every morning and evening we eat breakfast and dinner in the dining hall. This is exactly like I expected it to be. For breakfast you can get doughnuts, muffins, tater tots, pancakes and waffles. For dinner you can get burgers, hotdogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza and French fries. To me, this is so typically American. However, for me, this is horrible. I really try to eat healthy and when you are exposed to these types of food twice a day, it can be hard to contain yourself.

That’s why I was so happy to find out about the ‘other lifestyle’ that is also prominent and big in Los Angeles: the healthy lifestyle. On every menu the amount of calories is always mentioned and it is very easy to get access to the nearest gym. I also found many healthy foods in supermarkets I had heard about and now finally have seen, like the "superfoods."
 

I really like it that we have such diversity in Los Angeles. There is something for everyone. And if you don’t have such a particular preference in very unhealthy or healthy, there are always the ‘normal’ options. This is definitely one of my most favorite things for me about Los Angeles.