The Best Ways to Lose Weight Fast for Teenage Girls

The Best Ways to Lose Weight Fast for Teenage Girls
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If you're a teenage girl, you're probably extremely conscious of your body shape and image. Unfortunately, teens often approach weight loss from a dangerous perspective. However, you can lose weight fast without putting your health in danger. Focus on eating nutritious meals and exercising regularly for the best ways to shed pounds. Consult your doctor if you need help figuring out a healthy weight for your height and body type.

Calories

The best way to start losing weight fast is to reduce the amount of calories you consume each day. To lose one pound, you have to burn or eliminate 3,500 calories. If you eliminate 500 calories a day from your current diet, you should lose a pound a week, according to HealthyChildren.org. The most successful weight loss strategies include a small reduction in calories, rather than reducing calories so much that you begin to lose muscle mass, according to HealthyChildren.org. Drastic calorie reductions also slow down your metabolism--this means that instead of losing fat, your body will store it. Spread out your caloric intake. Eat five or six smaller meals a day instead of three big meals. This strategy will help you feel full without overeating.

Nutrition

Incorporate healthy foods into your diet. This way, you can eat plenty while consuming fewer calories. KidsHealth.org recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Such foods are filled with fiber, taste good and only have a few calories per serving. Replace white bread with whole grain bread. Eliminate soda or gradually reduce your portion size. Drink plenty of water. Let yourself enjoy small treats as part of your healthy eating plan. This will let you eat the foods you enjoy so you won't feel deprived, which means you'll be less likely to binge or abandon your healthy diet.

Exercise

Exercise burns calories, which will help you lose weight. Even if you aren't interested in organized sports, you can choose from a variety of exercise options. Take daily walks to get moving. Have fun while you burn calories--choose an activity you enjoy. Go bike riding, jogging or dance to your favorite music. Ask a friend to exercise with you. The recommended amount of exercise to lose weight is an hour a day, according to KidsHealth.org. Incorporate strength training into your fitness routine--muscle burns more calories than fat. Weights, resistance bands, Pilates and push-ups are effective strength training exercises, according to KidsHealth.org.

References

Article reviewed by Jaime Reese Last updated on: Mar 28, 2011

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