What is meant by “processed foods?” Do I have to be a vegetarian to be healthy? Is “organic” always better? If you’ve ever wondered the answers to these questions and are curious to learn more about nutrition and wellness, then you’re definitely in the right place. Welcome to Clare’s Corner!

In my new column, I’ll be sharing my ideas on these topics and more: exploring what healthy eating actually means, what it looks like to be healthy (because it’s different for everyone), and the effects that healthy living has on our health and our environment. I’ll review the latest documentaries, eat out at local restaurants, and include healthy recipes in each issue.

As an introduction, I wasn’t always conscious of what I ate. In fact, up until a few years ago, the only “meal” I was capable of making was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (which, by the way, I had down to science). When I began high school, however, I became more aware of what I ate, especially since I started playing sports. At the start of my sophomore year, I joined the cross country team and soon discovered my love for running. I knew I needed to properly fuel myself for practice and races, so I spent time researching how food could impact performance. I started cooking my own dinners and found joy in doing so.

The more I learned, the more interested I became in a healthy lifestyle. There’s so much to understand about what we eat, how we eat, and the effects that eating has on our everyday life. By reading this column, I hope others will find inspiration as I did. That said, I firmly believe healthy eating and living doesn’t have to be complicated, and there’s more to nutrition and wellness than the newest diets. Besides, let’s face it, sometimes all you really want is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!