Five Weight Loss Tips for the Average Teen

Going to school and doing homework is a full-time job, but teens today must remember to energize their bodies, not to fall victim to laziness when it comes to taking care of your body. If you're not very good at sports, that's fine. Teenagers are blessed with a great metabolism and you can tap into that very easily.

Don't Slack In The Summer
Video games all day and all night can be very alluring, but once you know it, your plum summer vacation is over. If you don't have a summer job, the world is your oyster. Get your iPod, load up some songs, and take a walk around your town. Explore. If you're not used to long walks, try a half-hour walk the first day, then add ten minutes each day. Before you know it, you'll be pulling off 5-mile walks/hikes with ease. Start in the morning, before it gets too warm, and you'll feel energized all day long.

Stay Hydrated
Along with some cardio, don't forget to get your 8 glasses a day of water. Teenagers today have even more drinks than when I was a teenager. You have Starbucks, Slurpee, Red Bull, Monster, Coke, Mountain Dew, etc., to choose from, not to mention what you drink with your friends when your parents aren't around. Anything that isn't water will dehydrate you, and water consumption is the key to weight loss. Be careful not to drink too much water, as it will harm your sodium levels.

Entertaining Exercise
Let's face it, most exercise gets boring after awhile. But it doesn't have to be. As long as you have enough floor space, you can watch TV and exercise. Put on a movie and do sit-ups in front of the television. Watch that football game with some free weights. And if you're a super guru like myself, you can even play video games while riding an exercise bike. Thank God for wireless controllers.

Eat Home-Cooked Meals
Sure, you are going to eat a lot of McDonald's as a teenager. But a home-cooked meal is the best thing for you. You don't get nutrients and vegetables at the fast food restaurant, so don't make it a staple meal after school. Another great thing is if you're trying to lose weight, make sure you eat your lunch at school, and maybe ask your parent if you can eat before 7:00 p.m. so your food can digest before you go to sleep. Or better yet, learn how to cook for yourself. And no, a microwave burrito does not count. Try healthy recipe websites for suggestions.

You Don't Have To Be A Jock
There's plenty of exercise to be had, even if you're not a track star or quarterback. Play Frisbee with some friends, that'll get your heart pumping. Laser Tag, miniature golf, hitting golf balls into the ocean with a baseball bat, air hockey, these are all forms of exercise. Find some like-minded friends with questionable athletic talent and head out to the park or beach for some fun in the sun.

As always, consult your physician before embarking on an exercise regimen. Keep your safety in mind. If something feels dangerous or you start feeling light-headed, stop exercising immediately. Get your mind and body into an exercise pattern now, and it will stay with you the rest of your life.