Teenagers often look to crash and fad diets to drop unwanted weight fast. But the truth is that the easiest ways for teenagers to lose weight come from lifestyle changes and healthy choices that can make a big difference when it comes to health and weight loss. If your teen is looking to lose a few pounds, encourage her to try healthier meals or more activity before she considers dangerous methods like fasting, fad diets or pills.
Healthy Snacks
The vending machines at your teen's high school are likely filled with chips, cookies and candy that will cause your teen to get a slight sugar high before crashing and feeling tired. Instead of giving money for treats at school, equip your teen with healthy snacks like fruit, crackers and cheese, and low fat granola bars to eat when feeling hungry between classes, says TeenGrowth.com.
Small Meals
Teens often run out the door without having breakfast on their way to school. Unfortunately, skipping meals won't help him to lose weight, only gain more in the long run. Skipping meals tells your teen's metabolism to slow down and conserve calories for later. But eating small meals frequently throughout the day kicks a teen's metabolism into gear by keeping it burning calories successfully all day. Make sure your teen has a light breakfast before heading out the door.
Homemade Lunches
The cafeteria is a hotbed of saturated fats and high calorie counts when it comes to french fries, burgers, corn dogs and other popular lunchroom favorites. These choices are the items that make teens gain weight, feel sluggish throughout the day and they are often much too large for proper portions. Send your teen to school with a homemade lunch packed with lean turkey on whole wheat bread, a piece of fruit and a cup of yogurt. Not only will she have a healthier meal, but her portion sizes will stay under control.
Less Soda
Simply switching from drinking soda to water can save your teen hundreds of calories per day. KidsHealth.org notes that the typical soda is around 150 calories per day of empty calories, void of any nutrients. Switching to a reusable aluminum water bottle can keep your teen hydrated and less tempted to consume excess calories through soda, energy drinks and sugary fruit juices.
Daily Activity
No diet is complete without exercise, but your teen may balk at the idea of hitting the gym. Instead of looking to formal ways of exercising, try sneaking in activity wherever possible. A sports team could have your teen working out with his teammates several days a week, while walking to school rather than being driven can help your teen sneak in some cardiovascular activity. The Mayo Clinic recommends 60 minutes of physical activity each day for teens, but the time can easily be made up in short bursts throughout the day.
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