Overview:
Most overweight or obese teens have a different mindset than other people in the world. They do not care about what they eat and therefore do not care about how it affects their bodies. But there are some teens that do want to make a difference in their health: teens that realize that what they are doing is dangerous and could seriously affect their health. I am one of those teens who does not care about taking care of my body. I have had some help from some of the greatest people who ever lived: my mom, dad, and grandparents. They have given me suggestions on my food and exercise choices and how I should handle them.
Eating Habits:
My eating habits are the main reason I am an overweight teenager. I eat the unhealthiest choices there are, and it does not do my body any good.
- Comfort Eating:
Teens like myself who have had problems with social skills, know where I am coming from. We turn to food for comfort. I do not talk to my parents about my feelings very often. Instead, I choose eating for comfort. But this is very unhealthy for both my physical and emotional well-being. If you are a teen that is turning to food because of social problems, talk to your parents about the feelings that you have. Instead of relying on food for comfort, rely on your parents love and affection for comfort.
- Boredom Eating
My second suggestion is for people who eat because of boredom. Have healthy snacks in your house. Choose snacks with low sugar and fat, but high in vitamins and minerals. That way, when you are bored and want something to eat, you are more likely to choose a healthy snack.
Exercise:
In a previous article, I explained how overweight kids are afraid to exercise. However, the truth is, you need to stay fit in order to stay healthy. Although exercise is a pain for some kids, I have a couple of tips to help you accomplish at least a little exercise each day.
Ways you can ease into exercise:
- I have played CYO basketball for 7 years. When I became overweight, it was especially hard for me to play for a long time without a break. So, at practices and games, I worked as hard as I could, and when I needed a rest, I stopped. This enabled me to get the exercise that I needed but at the same time get the rest I needed to rebuild my strength.
- Another way a teen can ease into exercise is using music. I will admit, I use this tactic on long walks, and it actually works. Music is a very helpful tool when it comes to exercise because it keeps you calm. At the same time, it keeps your mind focused so you are not worrying about how hard the exercise is.
Conclusion:
There are many benefits to not being overweight. To the people who care about it, being overweight or obese is a hardship. For example, teens may worry about how other kids would look at them when they are overweight. They may think that their parents are disappointed that they have an overweight teen. However, when you start making healthy choices, it’s as if a huge weight lifts off your shoulders and it can help you feel like you blend in better with the world. Also, when you change your eating habits, the new, healthy habits will likely stick, opening you up to a variety of delicious, healthy, new foods to enjoy. This way, you can stay healthy and not become overweight again. My final reason for why it will benefit you is that it could help you to inspire others. If you stop your unhealthy eating habits and start exercising, you can be a role model for thousands of teens across the country. Overweight teens who think they do not care could see the change in you and want to change themselves. In my opinion, helping others is the greatest gift you could give. Especially since overweight and obesity is hurting kids all over the United States of America.
