It’s been a full year now that I’ve been on my kick to build a healthier life for me and my family. I didn’t make any drastic changes but slowly swapped some less healthy foods for healthier ones (most times unbeknownst to my family). I also made an effort to get outside every day and exercise a few times a week. I also swapped movies and TV time with my kids for walks in the woods and bike rides on our local bike path.

Making you and your family healthier is easier than you might think. It seems that a few other Montanans had the same idea that I did this last year. According to a recent Gallup Poll, Montana just surpassed Colorado to win the slimmest state in the union award. Only 19 percent of Montanans weigh more than they should.

Way to go Montana! Way to get out and enjoy all the beauty this state has to offer! We Montanans have always known we are lucky to live in the most amazing place on earth. This poll only proves just how much we appreciate our surroundings.

Most people aren’t lucky enough to live in a state that is home to multiple ski resorts to enjoy, amazing mountains to hike, beautiful rivers to float, gorgeous trails to run and bike, serene lakes to swim and wide open spaces to ride your horses. There is just no other state that can even compare.

Montana has no competition. It is in a class of its own, and we Montanans are no exception. So keep it up Montana! Stay healthy and keep enjoying our great state.

Joy Larson is the mother of four boys, graduate of the University of Montana, animal lover and writer.

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