Some Simple Tips to Help with Teenage Weight Management

I will start this article by telling you that I am not a medical professional or dietician. However, I was once a teenager with weight concerns and have teenagers of my own. If you are reading this and are already a size 2, just quit now. Really! We, as a society, have become obsessed with weight loss and having the perfect body. It is not reality and anorexia is not the solution. Yes, I have been there as well. Being excessively thin is not any more healthy than being overweight. Starving yourself is not the answer. By starving yourself, you set yourself up for not only having health issues but binging and "sneak snacking" as well. The best approach is a healthy and enjoyable approach to eating and a moderate and sustainable exercise routine.

Tip #1:

Super size portions are not healthy. This should be a given but we are constantly faced with an ever growing portion size so the consumer will get the "best value for their buck". If you are out and trying to get the best value price, split the order with a friend. Fill up on water or low calorie soda. Get familiar with what reasonable serving sizes really are, you may be surprised.

Tip #2

Soda is NOT your friend. Neither is the super double chocolate Latte or giant sized energy drink. Yes, you may very well stay up all night studying and then need even more energy to get through the exam. This is not the solution. Better preparation would be but I digress. Studies have shown that Americans in general are getting way too many calories everyday from their beverages. This may very well apply just as well to other industrialized nations. Cut out half of your soda or high calorie drinks a day and replace them with water, low calorie flavored waters, or even low calorie sodas. Experiment, you will find something that satisfies you and will help with weight reduction or maintenance. When you go to buy that super size energy drink, read the label. It may only have 200 calories in a serving but the container may have 2.5 to 3 servings that we all just gulp down at once.

Tip #3

Snack foods. Yes, everyone wants them. Unfortunately snacking on chips or cookies all day will not help with your weight or healthy eating habits. You can indulge at times but try to find a new snack type item each week that is healthier for you. Switch from regular potato chips to a baked type. Change to a wheat snack cracker. Try carrots or cucumbers with a lower calorie reduced fat dip. Still want ice cream? No problem, just try a reduced fat or sugar type. Really there are many snacks available that are not only good tasting but healthy as well.

Tip #4

Exercise. Yes, it can be a horrible word. It can also be a lot of fun. If you sit at a desk playing computer games every day the only part of you getting any exercise is your fingers. Take a walk. Roller skate. Go play laser tag. Get out a video and do some simple stretching exercises to music you like. Find some physical activity you enjoy and just do it. Remember you are not trying to enter a world class body building competition next week. You just need to find something you enjoy and keep at it a few times a week or more as you find it fun.

In short form, check the portion sizes on what you eat. Reduce your high calorie soda intake. Switch to some lower calorie healthy snacks and add some exercise to your routine. A few small steps at a time will not be as painful but will make a difference!