You are getting older and taking more responsibility for your life -- at least, as much as your parents give you. If you are worried about weight, body image, nutrition, exercise and relationships with boys your age, you are not alone. Think of how you want to see yourself, and set your health goals accordingly. As you do, don't forget that your health is what is important.
Reach a Healthy Weight
You may be worried about being overweight. Ask your parents to take you to a doctor and talk to him about your weight, your concerns and what you can do to reach a healthy weight. If you're just a few pounds over what you should weigh, find out what kinds of food you should be eating. Chances are, the foods are already there and you just need to reach for them. As you talk to your doctor, he may tell you about the consequences of being overweight. While just a few pounds won't put your health at risk, being significantly overweight or obese makes you vulnerable to high blood pressure, breathing problems, high cholesterol and arthritis. Healthy eating habits now can become a healthy patten for life.
Body Image
If you have ever looked at the cover of a teen magazine and compared your own body to the model's body, you may think you are too heavy. Your body is changing as you become a young woman. You may think this makes you "look fat," but the rounding of your hips and your growing breasts are normal. The best way for you to think of your body is not as "fat" or "thin." Instead, practice healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and realizing there is no "perfect" body. Health is what matters.
Nutrition Habits
Most teenage girls need to consume between 1,800 and 2,400 calories every day to nourish their bodies. Breaking down your calorie intake, you should get 10 percent to 30 percent of your day's calories from lean proteins; 45 percent to 65 percent from complex carbohydrates; 25 percent to 34 percent from healthy fats; 26 g from fiber; 1,300 mg from dairy; and a maximum of 1,500 mg from sodium, according to TeenHelp. Find these nutrients in vegetables, fruits, milk, cheese, ice cream, chicken, lean red meat and fish, dark green vegetables, whole grain cereals, breads and pastas. As you go through your day, snack on string cheese, cut vegetables, dried fruit, unsalted nuts, dried fruit and wasabi peas. Instead of drinking soda, drink water.
Regular Exercise
If you don't like the idea of regimented exercising, think about bike riding, dance classes, hiking, wall-climbing and walking your family's dog. Help your parents out with housework and yard work. If you like sports -- soccer, swimming, softball, cross-country or track -- go out for the school's team and try out. Your coach will help you with conditioning, which will help you get in shape and exercise safely.
Sexuality
If you are allowed to date, you may like a boy in your school or neighborhood. If you are already dating, you need to figure out what your feelings are. Spend time with your boyfriend in different kinds of activities and places. As you get to know him, you'll be better able to figure out whether your feelings are infatuation, lust or love. Enjoy the times you are with your boyfriend, but give yourself "me time" as well. Spend that time with family or with some of your girlfriends. If the feelings you share with this boy are based on mutual respect, your relationship will be strengthened by the times you spend with family and friends.
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