Saturday, May 29, 2010

Help Teens Lose Weight Safely

Ways of Getting the Whole Family Involved

Rather than just singling out your teenager to lead a healthier lifestyle, why not adopt these healthy habits for the whole family? After all, not just eating healthier foods, but getting more exercise is good for everybody.

a. Why not encourage the whole family to eat more fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains? It is important that you set a good example for all your children.

b. Forget the junk food, and although healthy foods often cost more, it is a good investment in your child’s life.

c. Why not try out new recipes or healthier alternatives to those family favorites?

d. Don’t allow anyone to eat while sitting on the couch, as this will curb mindless eating at other times that they sit watching the TV, or when on the computer.

e. Arrange some family activities, such as walks in the evening, or visiting a local recreation center at the weekend.

Be Positive in your Attitude when Helping Your Teen to Lose Weight

Being overweight does not always lead to a lifetime of low self esteem, but your acceptance of your teen’s weight problem is critical. Remember to listen to your teen’s concerns regarding their weight, and comment on their skills, efforts and accomplishments.

Make it perfectly clear to your child that your love for them is unconditional, and not dependent on how they look. Why not help your teen learn to express their feelings in much healthier ways, say by writing down what they feel in a journal?

If your child is struggling with low self esteem, and finding it difficult to cope with their weight in a healthy way, then consider looking for a support group, formal weight control program or professional counseling to help them.

There are many support groups around which will provide your teen with the tools to counter any social pressure and cultivate a positive attitude with regard to their self esteem. This will help them to take control of their weight. These benefits will then last them a life time.

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