Weight Loss Tips for Teens

While I grew up in an era when most kids were almost beanpole thin and almost literally, never sat still, playing an endless amount of outside games and sports, many of today's youths have been glued to television sets and in front of video games so much that they quickly found themselves overweight and out of shape long before they should ever have to worry about waistlines and pants sizes.

While today's children may not ride their bikes as much as us 40-somethings did three decades ago, or, play step-ball, half-ball, wiffle-ball, street football or any of the numerous outside childhood games that often left us drained by the end of the day, there is plenty of hope for the overweight teen that wants to lose weight, even if it's not done by one of those aforementioned 1970s methods.

As the father and coach of one of the country's top junior tennis players and the husband of one of the nation's top fitness and weight loss gurus, I have a plethora of knowledge to share on how to lose weight and keep it off for people of all ages, but since this article is geared specifically towards teens, let me offer up five excellent weight loss tips for teens.

Change Your Diet

There is no other way to say it but to be totally honest. Many of today's youths have absolutely horrific diets. This fact, when combined with a lack of exercise, can quickly lead to packing on unwanted pound.

First and foremost, children that are either overweight or want to avoid becoming too heavy, need to change their diets. Out with the soda or 'pop' as some call it and switch to healthier all-natural fruit juices or even better - water. One sure-fire way to feel 'full' without packing on the calories is to drink tons of water.

Changing your diet, can mean different things to different children depending on how overweight they may be. However, I suggest limiting the meat intake in you teen's diet.

A light breakfast, of eggs and toast or maybe a big bowl of healthy cereal are an excellent way to get the day started without the heaviness and calories that bacon and sausage put on children and adults alike.

Think salad for lunch teens. Any kind of filling, but not calorie-heavy salad will do, depending on your desire. I like chef salads while my tennis-playing teen daughter prefers spinach leaves and iceberg lettuce, sometimes with turkey.

For dinner, a piece of baked meat or fish with your teen's choice of vegetable is an excellent way to end the day with a satisfying and filling, but again, not calorie-heavy meal.

Today's teens also need to change their snacking habits and avoid high-fat, high-calorie foods, like potato chips, chocolate candy bars, donuts, cakes, my six-year-old son's favorite, honey buns and again, soda. Instead munch on some granola bars, wheat crackers with cheese, fiber bars, rice cakes or carrot and celery sticks.

Know going in parents, that changing your teen's diet is the most crucial, necessary and hardest step, but one that will be well worth it years from now.

Self-Control

Self-control is absolutely essential when it comes to losing weight. Many times, adults and teens that are looking to lose weight, often 'backslide' and usually in the area of changing their diets.

Developing self-control with eating habits is tough, but from a former huge meat-eater that has fasted with no meat at all for at least 40 days in three consecutive years, I can say from firsthand knowledge that it can be done.

Don't think about what you used to eat, try and concentrate on what will satisfy you in your 'new' diet. Whatever you do teens, stick to your diet and the rewards will come quickly when your friends and family are telling you how much weight you've lost!

Exercise

While anyone over the age of 40 will find it incredulous that teenagers have to be encouraged to exercise, it's true, many of today's teenagers have become near vegetable-like statues that sit in front of their computers or video games for hours on end.

To help your teen lose weight, help incorporate some sort of exercise program that will work in conjunction with your teen's new diet and maximize their weight loss program.

Depending on how overweight your teenage may be, find and begin a challenging, but not overly strenuous exercise program for your teen that you can gradually increase in intensity as time moves on.

If need be, start with wimple walking and graduate to running. Push-ups, sit-ups, crunches and some weight work can be done at home, if it's feasible, join a local gym and incorporate some weight training.

Bike riding and jumping rope are also excellent aerobic exercises and purchasing a fitness CD that your teen can work out along to, is also a very good idea.

Vitamins

Don't' be skeptical, vitamins are an excellent way to help your teen lose weight while maintaining or improving other body organ functions. There are several excellent all-natural brands on the market, but shop wisely and be frugal as vitamins and supplements can often be pricey. Multi-vitamins, garlic, b-vitamins and ginseng are some of my personal favorites.

Join an After School Athletic Team

Have your teen join a school athletic team. Competing in athletics is an excellent way to curb your teen's appetite while simultaneously helping sculpt their body and lose weight. Not only athletics help develop your teen physically, but the camaraderie and lessons learned through competing in team sports is invaluable.

Get up and Get Out

Last but certainly not least, simply get up and get out teens. Cut back on the video game and television time and run in the sun. Shoot some hoops, hit some forehands, throw a touchdown pass or smack a home run. Whatever you do get out and get the blood moving! The pounds will come off and you'll be healthier and happier.