Many teenagers want to lose weight to improve their looks, health or both. As most teenagers are physically active, or should be, the ideal teenage weight loss program should allow adequate calories, be nutritional and be interesting enough to make them stick to it.
Too many teenagers think that rapid weight loss is their best option and go on crash diets, missing out major food groups, having strong cravings for “banned” foods and finally finding out that this strategy does not really work when they fall back into their old eating patterns.
A healthy teenage weight loss program should incorporate some kind of exercise as well as a healthy eating plan. Some cardiovascular exercise which gets the heart rate up is beneficial and will encourage the loss of excess fat. Examples include tennis, running, swimming, aerobic classes and cycling, but any exercise is better than none. Even a brisk daily walk will help to tone the body and burn fat. There is no point choosing an activity that you hate. If you hate running but quite like swimming then swim! You are more likely to stick at something you enjoy.
Dieting is not just about eating less food. It is about choosing which foods you put into your body. Foods containing carbohydrates which raise your blood sugar abruptly (such as white bread, instant mashed potato or donuts) cause an energy spike followed by a rapid drop. This makes you hungry again soon after eating. It is preferable to choose foods with a lower glycemic index, such as brown rice, lean meats or chunky soups, because the energy from these foods is released slowly into your bloodstream with the result that you feel fuller for longer. Also, these types are foods are healthier than processed, refined, sugary foods. Try rye bread or pumpernickel bread instead of refined white bread. They are tastier and more filling.
Taking supplements is a good idea, in case you are missing out on any nutrients. Discuss supplements with a knowledgeable natural health professional to help you choose the supplements you need.
Fad teenage weight loss programs seldom, if ever, work. Imagine cutting out a whole food group or eating nothing but cabbage soup for a month. The key to a healthy teenage weight loss program is to eat foods with a low glycemic index and make sure you get enough exercise. Healthy weight loss should be slow and steady. You can weigh yourself once a week but the best way to observe weight loss is to see how much looser your clothes feel after a week or two. Muscle weighs more than fat so if you have taken up a new sport, you might put on weight (but be slimmer), which you need to bear in mind.
If a teenager can do this teenage weight loss program with a friend, they can motivate one another, which can help.
Your body tends to get used to a new diet within a couple of weeks so you will actually find you do not miss all the processed foods you used to eat before. Also, you will be slimmer, look better and feel great!
