When I was growing up in Southern New England, I did not have to worry about fitness. I ate small portions, that included many fruits and vegetables. We often had a vegetable garden in the back of our home, and apple trees a pear tree, two peach trees and wild grape vines that grew along the back fence. Sometimes we planted strawberries and blackberries. My dad always liked to go fishing, catch fresh water mussels and go crabbing at the shore, so we had fresh fish and healthy pesticide free food. We were more fortunate than many kids today.
My siblings and I were pretty active too, riding bikes, roller skating, swimming and running around until the sun went down. We were able to take gymnastics, and study martial arts. This was especially important for me because I grew up with asthma and ADHD, and being active helped me run out that extra energy and build up my lungs. In high school I played in three sports (track, tennis, volleyball), and was a majorette. I even continued to play volleyball in college. By age 18 I was 5'3.5" and 117lbs. with a very low BMI. I had tons of energy and slept well. In short, I did not have to worry about fitness.
