Teens all over the world have body image issues, which has led to an increase in teen eating disorders. Safe weight loss methods for teens do exist, however, and these methods involve a combination of healthy eating and exercise. By convincing your teen to eat healthy and exercise daily, you can provide him or her with tools needed to look and feel great.
Avoid Traditional Dieting
Teens should not diet in the same manner as adults because, as their bodies need further development and the right nutrients to grow. According to the Georgia Department of Community Health, dieting causes deficiencies in calcium, iron, and other nutrients, which could lead to health problems in the future. These diets also do not promote overall healthy eating, so the weight will likely return.
Encourage Breakfast
Many teens miss breakfast because they sleep in and must rush to get to school on time. The Georgia Department of Community Health reports that breakfast will increase your teen's metabolism and will provide him with the energy needed to stay active throughout the day. This can also prevent the teen from eating too much at other meals, which helps with weight loss.
Healthy Snacks
Many of the bad eating habits developed by teens come from their daily snacks. Avoid things like chips and candy, while sticking to fruits, popcorn, yogurt, and crackers. The Weight-control Information Network suggests that these snacks will not only provide a teen with energy, but will also decrease the teen's daily calorie intake.
Fast Food Options
Teens can find it difficult to avoid fast food completely, but most restaurants now have healthier items on their menus. By sticking to grilled chicken or a salad at these restaurants, teens can lessen their daily calorie intake. According to the Weight-control Information Network, you can cut the fat intake of your meal in half by avoiding deep fried chicken at fast food restaurants.
Get Active
The Georgia Department of Community Health states that teens need about 60 minutes of daily physical activity to stay healthy. You do not have to complete this exercise at once, as you can spread it out throughout the day. Simply walking to school can help a teen lose weight by providing him with this recommended daily activity.
Keep it Simple
A teen does not have to join a gym or participate in team sports to stay active, as plenty of exercise opportunities exist. The Georgia Department of Community Health suggests that doing household chores or walking around the hallway at school can provide health benefits for teens.
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