There are millions of kids who are overweight. It is hard enough for adults to stick to a weight loss program where a healthy diet and regular exercise are emphasized. Trying to help a teen develop that self-discipline presents additional challenges. Teen are surrounded by exposure to junk foods and processed meals at school.
They are faced with pressure from classes and from their peers every day that takes a toll on them psychologically and emotionally. Many kids cope with that by seeking comfort in the foods that that they like to eat, and most of the time it is junk food.
On the issue of teenage weight loss, one thing for sure is that teens cannot do this alone. The parents must get involved at multiple levels.
First, the parents must discuss the weight issue with the child's doctor. The doctor can rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the weight gain, such as hypothyroidism.
If the child is given a clean bill of health except for the excessive weight, then a meal plan and exercise program can be discussed.
It is important to point out that the child's environment has a big impact on his choices. If the parents keep a lot of junk food around the house, the child will help himself to it when he is hungry.
If the parents are overweight and do not exercise regularly, the child will be less likely to stick to an exercise program. Therefore, the parents have a huge responsibility in becoming good role models by eating healthy foods and engaging in regular physical activities.
When the environment is supportive, the teen will have a better chance in achieving weight loss.
Teens are in school for the most part of the day. Since most schools still do not offer healthy choices in the cafeteria, it is the parents' job to provide their child with healthy foods that he can take to school.
A homemade salad kit with plenty of leafy greens and a light vinegrette can be one option. A low-fat turkey wrap made from white meat, lettuce, tomato, and a bit of avocado is another delicious alternative. Flavored water instead of a soda should be provided.
Low-fat snacks like unbuttered popcorn and pretzels are better choices than chips. There are plenty of kid-friendly, healthy lunch ideas in recipe books and websites that parents can explore.
Teenage weight loss must incorporate a good level of physical activity. Time in front of the television should be reduced. The family should engage in physical activity together , such as going out for a bike ride together.
If the teen will only respond positively to video games, get a game that requires the body to move in order to manipulate the action on the screen.
Teenage weight loss is not an easy thing to achieve, but with the right support it can be done.
If teens are taught about proper nutrition and are guided in making their own healthy choices at a young age, they will carry these lifestyle habits with them as they mature into adulthood.
Then future generations can be healthier and will not be plagued by the problem of obesity.
Are you fed up with being overweight and want to get serious and drop those pounds and keep them off? Our Free Weight Loss Report Reveals the fundamentals of losing weight the natural way .
If you would like to learn more about healthy ways to lose weight, and about the natural supplements that I recommend and use myself, just drop me a line here and you'll get a free consultation with Warren Tattersall... CONTACT ME - no obligation, we'll just have a chat about your weight and health goals and the best ways you can achieve them while improving your overall health.
Helping Your Teen to Lose Weight
You probably remember what it was like to be a teenager. You probably felt awkward, embarrassed and weren't sure how to feel about your developing body, especially if you were a girl. That is why it is important for you today, as a parent, to do what you can in order to help your daughter if she wants to lose weight. Here are some ideas you can use to make sure that you help her lose weight while remaining supportive.
The first thing you want to do is to make sure that she knows that weight loss isn't your idea. It can be very damaging to a teenager for her parent to feel that she is "fat". You have to make sure that she views you as a supportive person in her life, not as a taskmaster or someone who finds her unattractive. Make sure she knows that you love her at any size, and that you are there to help.
You definitely want to have a talk with your family doctor, to rule out any health conditions which could cause extra weight. This is also a good time to ask about calorie requirements and whether any supplements are acceptable, in case your daughter wants to use some.
Next, you have to help her get her diet under control. If one person in your home is trying to lose weight, it is only considerate to make sure that you and everyone else try to eat as healthy as possible as well. Losing weight does not mean that you have no appetite, just that the food you eat is nutritious and nourishing. Therefore, try to cook in a more healthy way as much as possible.
This is also a good time to mention that you need to make sure that she does not develop an eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are very dangerous disease that millions of girls succumb to every year. Don't let your daughter be one of them. Keep your eyes on her actions as much as you are able to. Impress upon her that she needs food to function in her life.
After you help with her diet, you need to get her exercising. Most teenagers don't like exercise unless they're athletes. The only time they run they are in gym class. Therefore, it's important that you talk with her about what physical activities she enjoys. She may want to try rock climbing, or she might like dancing. Physical activity is something that will help her whittle away the pounds.
Help her to set goals, and reward her for them. This can be a fun thing that just the two of her do. Let her dictate her own goals, within reason. And then, be her cheerleader, ready to celebrate when she meets her goals. Remember, don't reward with food.
Weight loss is a journey, so soothe her when she feels disappointed. Use the advice in this article to make sure that your daughter loses weight in a safe way that leaves her very happy.
Subscribe to get your weekly "Health Success Magazine" with a new complete & comprehensive Health Report in every edition!
If you would like a free no-obligation private consultation or to contact Warren Tattersall for more information, please click here >> Contact Us
You will find many assorted Health Reports available for download free to you on this website!
Our free Health Success Reports are each available for you to download when you subscribe to receive them and their 7 part eCourse.
You can unsubscribe at any time, but we are sure you will want to receive all the email lessons of these informative ecourses.
Read more HERE to select the REPORT subjects of most interest (or concern) to you.