When I moved into my subdivision off Dorsett Road in August, I was pleased with the atmosphere. I often see someone jogging, walking their dog or even riding their bicycle. And with Creve Coeur Park just a stone's throw away, getting a good run in is always an option.

My neighbors' enthusiasm for health made me want to partake in a little exercise of my own. But when you look at the surrounding area in terms of healthy eatting choices, does Maryland Heights make the grade?

There are plenty of fast food spots in the area: McDonald's, Taco Bell, Arby's, Steak N Shake, Dairy Queen and the list goes on. While some of these fast food chains offer healthy items on the menu, they're not known for being a healthy alternative for people who ware watching their waistlines.

In terms of sit-down type of establishments, there isn't a shortage in Maryland Heights. The resturants have expansive menus, but do not cater to a healthy crowd.

The best option to eat healthy, in my opinion, is to prepare your meals at home and purchase items from the market. When you cook at home, you can control the way the food is cooked and the ingredients that goes into the meal.

You can trim the fat and use options that are better for you and your diet. Purchasing food and preparing it at home may also be better for your wallet as well. Eating out three or four times a week can be expensive — no matter where you live.

Grocery stores also offer prepared foods if you don't have a lot of time to cook. Schnucks market has an expansive food bar with prepared food like soups and meats. You can also create your own salad with the fixings available and make it as low fat or as low calorie as you want.

Fast food places get a bad raps, but if you peruse their websites and learn about their food's nutritional value, there may be options for you as well. McDonald's, Quizno's, and Jimmy John's have low-fat items on their menus that are perfect for those who are watching their weight.

There are also no shortage of places to work out. Maryland Heights has many gyms in the area. Bally's Total Fitness, Gold's Gym, the Edward Jones YMCA and the Maryland Heights Centre all offer workout faciltiies and personal trainers who can help you lose weight and develop an eating plan.

So I don't mind going out on a limb and saying that our humble city is perfect for those who want to keep healthy!

As the year closes and some of us will be making our resolutions, keep in mind that living in Maryland Heights can help you keep slim and trim. There are no excuses with gyms, restuarants and a market with healthy food options!