As a teenager weight loss may seem like a hard challenge because of a busy social life, temptation of unhealthy foods and trouble finding time to exercise. However, weight loss can be easy when you learn to make lifestyle changes. Eating foods in moderation and adding more exercise to your daily routine will help you reach a healthy weight loss.
Realistic Goals
MayoClinic.com explains that as a teen you must understand what a healthy weight loss is and set realistic weight-loss goals. Focus on changing your lifestyle rather than trying to become thin. Losing weight at a slow and steady pace will bring you a lasting weight loss because fast weight loss is usually do to behaviors that cannot be sustained for a long period of time. A healthy weight loss is 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Setting weekly goals will help you see many small successes.
Restrict Your Calories
Your caloric intake will play a large role in your ability to lose weight. In order to lose weight you must burn more calories than you consume each day. As a teen learning the role calories play in maintaining a healthy weight early on will help you grow into a more healthy adult. It takes 3,500 calories to burn off a pound. Reaching a caloric deficit of 500 calories a day, through diet and exercise, will help you lose a pound a week. According to the American Heart Association, no woman should consume less than 1,200 calories a day and a teen boy should not fall below 1,500 calories.
Change Your Foods
As a teenager your friends may be eating fast food and candy on a regular basis. However, choosing to eat nutrient-dense foods will help keep you full longer and prevent overeating. Choose a diet that is filled with whole grains, lean meat, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Choose healthy snacks rather than chips and cookies during your day, like fruit, trail mix or nuts. Ditching processed foods and soda can help you cut many unwanted calories. Simply cutting out a can of soda a day will save you 150 calories or more.
Get Moving
Aerobic training will help you burn calories and lose weight. Working out with your friends will help you stay motivated. Aim for breaking a sweat for 30 minutes each day. Running, hiking, swimming, biking or even taking a dance class can help you blast calories and reach your goals faster.
Member Comments