Teen age obesity is on the rise due to a lack of physical activity and bad eating habits. According to the Mayo Clinic, teens need about 60 minutes of fitness a day. Teenagers have a busy lifestyle and may not see the importance of creating healthy habits. However, with a few small changes and finding fun in physical fitness, they can reach a healthy weight. A healthy lifestyle should be promoted rather than a strict diet that may not be maintainable.
Set a Goal
Step 1
Create a goal that is attainable so teens can feel successful. It is important to be able to find a realistic weight loss goal, such as losing one to two pounds a week, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Promote a healthy lifestyle by helping your teenager to understand the importance of proper nutrition. Putting a teenager on a diet may not be successful because he may feel embarrassed about it or it may not fit into his hectic daily routine. Instead, encourage eating healthfully; a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, rather than fast food. Also, watching portions will help teens to eat a variety of foods while still losing weight.
Step 3
Drink water and low calorie drinks. Choose to consume calories with food instead of high calorie and sugary drinks. Teens often drink soda and fruit juice that is simply extra calories that can keep the weight on a teen. According to Diet Bites, soda contains 136 calories and nine tablespoons of sugar. Break the habit of calorie-filled drinks and instead drink water, tea and low-calorie drinks.
Step 4
Get moving. Regular exercise will help to burn calories, build muscle and promote weight loss. Finding an activity that your teen likes will have a lasting impact on her new healthy lifestyle. Try exercise that involves cardio fitness, such as running, dancing, swimming or fitness classes at the gym.
Step 5
Stay on track. Keeping up with a healthy lifestyle will allow weight loss for teens. With the healthy weight loss of one to two pounds a week, a weight loss goal of 20 lbs can be achieved in three or four months.
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