Weight is an important topic to teens in the21st century. Fad diets that require limited food choices or the absence of food completely can be dangerous and difficult to maintain. Once you stop a fad diet, you generally gain much of the weight back, leaving you more discouraged than before the diet began. Consult your physician to determine if you truly need a weight-loss program and what changes you should make to your diet.
Ideal Weight
Consult your doctor when trying to determine if you are at an appropriate weight, according to the Mayo Clinic. He will calculate your Body Mass Index, or BMI, using your height, weight and body frame type. Each of these factor into the ideal weight for your body. If your doctor determines that your BMI is in the overweight or obese category, he can help you develop a plan of action to loose the extra weight in a healthy way.
Healthy Eating Plan
Making changes to your diet can be simple and effective. MayoClinic.com suggests eating breakfast every day as an important way to jump start your metabolism. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables throughout the day as well. You should strive for five servings a day. Enjoy a piece of fruit with your breakfast or baby carrots and celery as an after school snack. Avoid high calorie foods and drinks such as chips, fried foods, sodas, fruit juice and specialty coffees. These can add hundreds of calories a day.
Exercise Plan
The average teenager needs 60 minutes a day of exercise, according to KidsHealth.org. This may seem like more than is attainable. But, little things like taking stairs instead of elevators, taking a brisk walk before or after school, mowing the grass or even grabbing a friend for a hike on the weekend all add up. Try walking to a friend's house instead of driving or park further away from the mall or school to add extra steps to your day.
Family Support
Healthy living is important for everyone in a family. So, ask your parents for support. MayoClinic.com suggests making weight-loss a family affair by preparing healthy meals together that include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Decide as a family to not buy junk food that will be tempting in the pantry. Instead of watching television or playing on the computer, get the family together for an evening walk or bike ride.
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