Losing weight is a touchy subject, particularly for teenagers, whose bodies are still growing and changing. But if you are overweight and need to drop a few pounds, there are healthy ways that you can do this. Make an appointment with your physician before you begin a weight-loss regimen, and then focus on eating better and being more active. Small changes can make a big difference and help you get healthy for life.
Talk to a Doctor
You may be unsure how much you are supposed to weigh. The truth is that everyone's body is different, and the weight that is perfect for your best friend may not be right for you. A doctor can assess your current weight, help you determine how many pounds you need to lose, if any, and then assist you in setting attainable goals. She can also give you suggestions on exercise and help you design a weight-loss regimen, as well as direct you to a dietitian who can help you come up with a meal plan.
Pick Healthier Foods
Fad diets and weight-loss pills are unlikely to help you lose weight long-term, and they may even pose dangers to your health. Instead of eliminating entire food groups or severely restricting your calories, you can look for ways to make modest changes to what you already eat. For example, choose a healthy breakfast like whole-grain cereal with skim milk and sliced apples, which will rev up your metabolism and keep you from overeating later.Consider eating carrot sticks and celery instead of potato chips after school, and look for other ways to incorporate healthier foods into your diet.
Choose Better Beverages
Your drinks can be detrimental to your weight-loss goals. Soda, sports drinks, sugary juices and flavored coffee beverages may contain loads of extra sugar and calories, but they will not fill you up or even give your body the nutrients it needs. If you cut out one soda a day, you may be able to eliminate up to 150 calories. Try to cut back on these drinks and have water or low-fat milk instead. If you want something sweet, you can opt for diet soda or a sugar-free juice to satisfy the craving.
Get Active
Spending a lot of time lounging in front of the TV can contribute to your weight gain, especially if you are also mindlessly snacking. Instead of couch-surfing, go outside and take a jog around the block. Incorporating 60 minutes of physical activity into your day can burn off fat and calories, as well as help your body build muscle, and you can work your way up to this amount if needed. Remember that things like climbing the stairs or raking leaves count as physical activity. If you find an activity you enjoy, it may not feel like so much work, and you will be more likely to keep going with it.
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