According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 14 percent of teenagers in the United States were obese as of 2009. Teenage girls want to look good and stay fashionable and trendy. Being overweight can breed negative and hurtful peer pressure from other teens. Teenagers are bombarded with tasty treats at mall kiosks, and they often choose fast food because it is affordable for their budgets. Bad menu choices and lack of physical activity can lead to being overweight. Learning ways to encourage teens to eat better and exercise will help them lose unwanted pounds and keep them off.
Sports
Teenage girls can lose weight by participating in sports. Not every teenage girl is a born athlete, but there are sports that she can enjoy. Track and field isn't all about running several miles every day. There are other activities that allow girls to be active. Shot put and discus allow athletes to test their skills by throwing a disc or metal ball. With shot put, the athlete trains for upper-body strength but actually uses her entire body to turn and thrust the ball forward. Discus is the same, except with a heavy metal disc. Archery helps with upper-body strength and coordination. Joining the swim team also helps girls get daily exercise while competing with others. Physical activity, even in moderation, can keep teenage girls healthier and ward off obesity.
Trendy Eating
Teenage girls engage in trendy eating. This includes sweetened coffees, high-calorie energy drinks and fast food. Many of these items can seem addictive for girls. They contain chocolate, coffee, caffeine and carbohydrates that are comforting and easy to grab on the go. Specialty-coffee shops attract teenagers with their caffeine jolts and sweet flavors. Making healthy substitutes will help teenage girls fight the battle of the bulge. Homemade smoothies made with almond milk and fresh fruit will save money and drastically cut calories. Substituting high-calorie drinks with low-calorie vitamin water is a good replacement.
Lifestyle Changes
Making simple lifestyle changes can help a teen shed weight. Parents should limit her sedentary activities, such as texting on a cell phone and using social networks on a computer. Asking her to engage in more physical chores, such as taking out the trash and raking the yard, will help her unknowingly shed extra pounds.
Member Comments