Top Tips For Weight Loss For Teens

Author: Arjun Singhe

Looking for tips for weight loss for teens? Today's world puts a lot of extra pressure on teens to look thin. Popular TV shows aimed at teens all feature thin, pretty young characters, overbearing parents can put undue stress on their kids to lose weight, and even worse still, is teenagers peers can be incredibly judgmental of a their weight.   Being the "fat kid" throughout high school can be a recipe for life-long self-esteem problems. There's no easy solution to this problem. Weight loss is tough, and all the added anxiety that comes with being a teen only makes matters worse. Taking advantage of some of these pointers can help make the teenage experience less scary for overweight teens.   One of the most important tips, especially for young girls, is to make sure that you understand what a healthy person looks like. A lot of girls and young women on TV are, or at least appear, dangerously thin. The media may portray this as the ideal, but the truth is, it's not a healthy lifestyle. Many young girls develop eating disorders trying to match the looks of women they see on TV, and this is a recipe for disaster.   Young men can fall victim to eating disorders, too - it's not a problem exclusive to girls. It's not uncommon for many teens to look in the mirror and see only ugliness and fat, when in reality they are a perfectly healthy young person. If you constantly feel severely depressed about your weight or your look, you should seek help from a psychologist. They can help you improve your own self-image and pursue weight loss goals in a healthy manner.   Another in the list of tips for weight loss for teens is to keep in mind what your body is growing through. During your teen years, your body can undergo a number of changes that affect how you grow. For instance, you might hit a late growth spurt and gain a few inches in height, making your weight even out across your frame. Puberty is a complicated time - if you know that you're following a proper diet and exercise plan but aren't seeing results, you might just have to wait until you've fully grown into your body.   Regardless of other factors, diet and exercise are always going to be an important factor in weight loss. Keep this in mind as you go throughout your school day, and think of ways to improve your health. If your school cafeteria only serves greasy, unhealthy foods, talk to your parents about bringing a healthier lunch every day. Make sure to participate in gym class, and if you can, get involved in extra-curricular sports, too.   Another factor that can be a great help in losing weight is enlisting the aid of your family. In almost every case, your family wants to be healthy too, and they will help you out as best they can. If one of your parents is the primary family cook, talk to them about healthier options for food. Furthermore you can offer to help your parents with renovations or yard work for a little extra exercise.   These tips for weight loss for teens can make a huge difference for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/top-tips-for-weight-loss-for-teens-848155.html

About the Author:
Author Promoted Sites  Women Health Magazine  ,  Natural Remedies  and  Ebooks

How to Stay Fit When You're a Stay at Home Parent

One thing I've learned after years of training clients is that trying to squeeze in exercise while staying at home to raise the kids is not easy. Even the best laid plans can be flushed down the drain for any number of reasons. But, it is possible to get some exercise in, even on your busiest day. To prove it, I went straight to the source...my stay at home clients. I was impressed with the ideas they came up with and their creativity. Below are their best tips for staying fit.

Wear Your Workout Clothes All Day
One common issue many of my stay-at-home clients have is finding big chunks of time for workouts. Even trying to hop on the treadmill or do a quick 30-minute video while the kids nap can be tough.

One of my clients, who has two young kids, gets around this by putting on her workout clothes as soon as she gets up. Doing this:
·         Gets you in the mood. Just wearing your workout clothes may motivate you to work harder even if you're just doing chores around the house.
·         Makes workouts easier. You're always ready for a quick workout or walk whenever time allows.
·         Reminds you of your goal to exercise. Wearing your workout clothes is a reminder to get some kind of exercise in, no matter how short.

Make Everything Count
If you find you don't have time for continuous exercise or that you've missed a workout, that doesn't mean you can't get in some activity. Below are some ideas to burn more calories with everyday activities:
·         Run the stairs. One client mentioned adding a few extra laps on the stairs when doing chores or chasing the kids around.
·         Add more walking. A client races through the grocery store to burn extra calories. In the winter, she walks with the kids at the mall.
·         Incorporate strength training. One stay at home dad does pushups with one of his kids on his back. Another client does a lunge every time she bends over to pick up toys or clothes.

It all counts. What ideas can you come up with in your own life?

Have Workout Ideas and Options Ready
Part of staying in shape when you have a hectic schedule is being ready to take advantage of a few minutes here and there. The trouble is, what's the best way to use that time and get the most out of it? Short bouts of exercise can be effective if you work hard enough. One of my clients does timesaver workouts throughout the week. Look for these:
·         10-Minute Strength Training Ideas
·         10-Minute Cardio Workouts
·         Short Total Body Workout
I have other clients who keep it simple and do body weight exercises (pushups, squats, lunges, etc.) for a minute each followed by a quick run on the treadmill or a staircase. The point is to do something and work hard at it. If you have a plan, you'll be more likely to follow through.

Exercise with the Kids
Now, I know this one isn't easy. After all, I've held a fair share of babies while clients are exercising. But, I've also had kids participating in the workouts and they often have a lot of fun exercising with mom or dad. Some ideas:
·         Include them in the workout. Create rolled-up sock "dumbbells" so they can copy your exercises. Or they can count your reps for you.
·         Take them for walks or bike rides. It is a great way to teach your kids to be active every day.
·         Add some fun to outdoor chores. One client has her kids help her in the yard and they have contests to see who can rake the most leaves or sweep the sidewalk the fastest.

Work with a Personal Trainer
If it's within your budget, consider working with a trainer once a week or once a month in your home. It isn't for everyone, but in-home personal training is convenient and is becoming more common and affordable. My stay at home moms and dads find it's a great way to get workout ideas and stay on track. With an in-home trainer you get:
·         Convenience. The trainer can work around your schedule and you don't have to drive anywhere for an appointment.
·         Customized workouts. You'll get workouts that fit your schedule, goals and equipment and workouts you can do on your own as well.
·         Motivation. It's easier to work hard with a trainer pushing you a little.
If money is an issue, consider doing partner training with a friend to save money.

Involve your Friends and Family
If you have a spouse or family around, you may be able to negotiate some exercise time during the week. Some ideas:
·         Negotiate with your spouse. I have married clients who alternate weeks -- the dad works with me while his wife watches the kids and they switch off for the next week.
·         Take advantage of family. Many of my clients have grandma come over once or twice a week to spend time with the kids so they can get to the gym for a workout.
·         Get to know your neighbors. I have one client who has a deal with her neighbor. They watch each other's kids once a week while the other goes for a run. They also walk together once a week to keep each other motivated.

Not everyone has this kind of support but, if you do, take advantage of it.