Teens are constantly bombarded by images of impossibly perfect-looking celebrities, so it's no wonder that teens are particularly prone to poor self-image. By teaching your teen about proper eating habits and physical activity, you can give him the tools to make better lifestyle choices --- and more confidence. Set the tone in your household by offering healthy snacks and eating healthily as a family. Your teen can take the tools you've given him to make better choices at home, at school and while out with friends.
Better Snacks
Teenagers can sometimes seem endlessly hungry, so it's tempting to offer easy snacks, like chips and cookies. But those snacks can add to your teens' daily caloric intake and offer a short burst of energy with a crash later on. Instead of having unhealthy snacks readily available, stock your pantry and fridge with whole-wheat crackers, fruits and vegetables and dairy products. Cut them up ahead of time so your teen only needs to reach in and grab a handful. Nuts and fruit can be easily packed for a snack at school, nutritionist Anne Collins writes on her website.
Pack a Lunch
The offerings at a typical high school cafeteria aren't always the healthiest. While schools are required to offer fruits and vegetables, your teen may be indulging in chicken nuggets, French fries and pizza on a daily basis. Instead of relying on the school to feed your teen, send a lunch with her. Get your teen involved in packing her lunch by allowing her to choose meals made from unprocessed foods. This way, your teen has better control over the food that she eats while still eating healthier options, notes the book "Weight Loss Confidential: How Teens Lose Weight and Keep It Off."
Organized Activities
A teen has plenty of opportunities to stay active through school sports, organized activities and spending time with friends. Encourage your teen to join a team or group that encourages activity. Even if your teen isn't a star soccer player, an outdoor club at school can offer opportunities for hiking and biking, for example. Help your teen organize activities for him and his friends that keep them moving, like a pickup basketball game or a camping trip. Or, have your teen walk or bike to school each day. Every moment of activity counts, so help your teen find ways to stay active.
Avoid Fad Diets
While fad diets can help adults lose weight, they are inappropriate for teens. Teens can suffer from poor body image, particularly as their bodies begin to change and they experience weight gain or loss. Instead of allowing your teen to try a fad diet, focus on healthy eating and exercise as daily habits, suggests the KidsHealth website. Watch out for warning signs of an eating disorder, like a sudden change in weight, starving, social withdrawal and a change in mood, warns the Mayo Clinic.
References
- Anne Collins: Weight Loss Tips For Teenagers
- "Weight Loss Confidential: How Teens Lose Weight and Keep It Off --- And What They Wish Parents Knew"; Anne M. Fletcher, Holly Wyatt; 2007
- KidsHealth: How Can I Lose Weight Safely?
- Mayo Clinic: Eating Disorders
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