Teenage obesity is a growing problem in the United States. In 30 years, obesity rates in teens have increased from 5 percent to 18 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When it comes to losing weight, its important for teenage boys to find a diet they can follow for life, a diet that can easily be incorporated into their daily lives.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is a familiar diet for teenage boys. It includes a variety of healthy foods from each of the food groups, including whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and low-fat and nonfat dairy foods.The goal of the balanced diet is to provide your teen with enough calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to support his energy needs for continued growth and development while helping him maintain a healthy weight. When following a balanced diet, teenage boys need to make it a habit to eat at least three meals a day, especially breakfast. Eating regularly helps to maintain energy levels and prevents feelings of intense hunger which can lead to poor food choices and overeating.
Behavior Change Diets
Some teen boys may have a hard time sticking to a diet plan that overhauls their entire world. Instead, encourage your teen to make small changes at a time to reach his weight goal. Small changes are easier to stick to and may be more likely to become a lifetime habit. Some small easy changes your teenage boy can make may include drinking water with meals instead of juice or soda or making it a habit to always eat breakfast. Once his change becomes routine, have him work on making a new healthy habit. Keeping a log of goals and changes can help keep your teen boy stay focused and motivated.
Group-Based Diets
Some teen boys need motivation from their peers. Group-based weight management programs provide the extra support which may make it easier for your teenage boy to get to a healthy weight. Group-based programs for teens meet weekly for a set number of weeks. Parent involvement is usually recommended in these types of programs. Teens have more success with losing weight and keeping it off when they have the support and interest from their parents. Teens who follow group-based diet programs learn how to get to a healthier weight by being more active and making healthier food choices. Shapedown is an example of a teen group-based weight management program.
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