Girls undergo many physical transformations during their teenage years. Your body begins to fill out, and if you do not pay attention to the foods you eat, your weight can rise to an unhealthy level. It can be a balancing act to remain lean and meet the daily nutritional requirements of a changing and growing body. Weight management is an important issue, as girls who are overweight are more likely to diet and suffer from a poor body image, according to National Eating Disorders Association.
Gradual Changes
Drastic changes will not occur overnight, no matter what you do. Avoid fad diets that promise super fast weight loss, and make changes gradually, according to EatRight.org. Incorporate small changes, such as reducing soda consumption or desserts, and go from there.
Drink Water
Aside from hydrating your body, water will temporarily take up some space in your stomach to help get you past any junk- food craving you might have. Drink a glass of water when you might have something unhealthy, and use water to replace sodas and other sugary, high-calorie drinks.
Meet Nutritional Requirements
Teenage girls have specific nutritional requirements to meet so they develop as they should. Focusing on meeting these requirements will ensure a healthy balance of foods in the diet. Teen girls need 1,300 milligrams of calcium per day, which is 30 percent higher than adult values. Other daily requirements include 2-1/2 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruit, 5-1/2 ounces of lean protein and 6 ounces of grains, according to Girlshealth.gov. Whole-grain breads and cereals; low-fat milk and yogurt; and lean beef, chicken, fish and eggs will supply the grain, calcium and protein requirements of the diet.
Move Your Body
Although not technically a "diet tip," moving your body on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight. All of your diet efforts will fail if movement is not part of the equation. Walking to school instead of getting a drive, taking evening bike rides or doing full-on workouts will tone muscles and burn calories to help your cause.
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