If you're a teen that wants to lose weight for a school dance, to have a better self-esteem or to impress that cute guy in your science class, you need to follow basic guidelines to lose the weight fast and easy. Start making healthy food choices and try to exercise on a regular basis. You can start to see weight loss results in a short time if you start making serious changes today. You're going to have to give up old habits.
Step 1
Tell your parents about your weight loss goals. Let them know why you want to lose weight, and ask them to help you in your effort to get healthy.
Step 2
Discuss healthy eating options with your family, and ask your parents to start buying healthier snacks and meals. Tell your parents that you would like to start eating a salad before dinner every night, so you can make sure you're getting enough vegetables in your diet. Eating a salad each night will help you fill up on healthy foods.
Step 3
Cut back on your portions by at least one-third. If you feel hungry due to portion control, add a couple healthy snacks into your day such as apples, yogurt and almonds. Carry healthy snacks with you to school.
Step 4
Always start your morning with a healthy breakfast. Try to eat within one hour of waking up. Some great breakfast options are healthy cereals, eggs and toast, yogurt and granola, and fruit.
Step 5
Stop eating when you feel full. Many people eat huge portions of food and eat a lot more than they need to feel full. It takes 20 minutes to feel full after eating, so eat slowly, enjoy your food, and wait 20 minutes before you get a second helping.
Step 6
Spend a couple days integrating Steps 1 through 5 into your lifestyle and then get moving. Start exercising at least 4 days a week for 30 to 60 minutes. Find a couple of activities that you enjoy doing such as jogging with your dog, swimming or playing basketball with friends, and do them regularly.
Step 7
Reward yourself when you hit specific goals. For example, when you lose 5 pounds, buy a new pair of sneakers, see a movie with a friend, or purchase a couple of songs in iTunes to jam out to when you work out.
Tips and Warnings
- Allow yourself to have one cheat meal per week. If you always get pizza with your friends on Friday night, don't stop because you're trying to lose weight. Just eat healthy for the rest of the week.
- Don't skip meals in an attempt to lose weight. You'll end up eating more at your next meal. Don't try crash, fad diets. People who crash diet usually end up gaining all or more of the weight back when they stop. Crash diets are not sustainable long-term and will backfire.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy snacks
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