If your teen is unhappy with her weight, you may cringe after hearing that she has decided to go on yet another diet. Instead of expressing your disapproval or staying out of it, encourage your teen to achieve and maintain a healthy weight by helping her make smart choices. By changing a few little things about your teen's diet, she may be able to lose weight and begin a healthier lifestyle.
Beverages Count, Too
If your teen is trying to lose weight, she may think that decreasing her food intake is the most effective way to drop excess pounds. She may not have considered that her daily soda or sports drink may be keeping her from her weight-loss goals. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you advise her to cut out sugary juices, soda, coffee drinks and sports drinks. Replacing these drinks with seltzer or plain water and a lemon or lime will help your teen cut back on her calorie intake.
Round out Meals With Veggies
If your teen is eating a hamburger every night for dinner, he may feel full, but he is also packing on excess, unnecessary calories. Instead of limiting your teen to a smaller portion, fill out a healthy meal with fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies with high water content will help fill up your teen and make him feel more satisfied without adding a bunch of calories to the meal. The Kids Health website recommends eating at least five fruits and vegetables a day.
Cook Healthier at Home
Instead of allowing your child to fend for herself when she's trying to lose weight, adopt a healthier lifestyle at home to help her. Stocking the refrigerator and cupboard with a variety of healthy snacks instead of the typical chips and processed foods will help your teen make healthier decisions so she doesn't feel like she's going it alone. Instead of serving a hefty plate of fried chicken for dinner, serving baked chicken and vegetables will allow your teen to lose weight without having to make a separate dinner for herself.
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