Between peers, teachers, neighbors, and the media, teenagers have enough information about weight shoved in their face. Being a parent of an overweight teenager is difficult only because you want your child to be healthy number one, but also liked. As you see your child come home from school in tears because he/she was teased, or you hear a story about your child not being included in a neighborhood game because of being too fat, or perhaps your child is obsessed with thin people in magazines on and television, it breaks your heart.
Rather than just sit back and do nothing, you can take action but in a different way. Instead of becoming yet one more person nagging at your child, make lifestyle changes for the entire family to help. First and most importantly, you want to ensure your child that you love him or her no matter how big or small. Provide your child with encouragement and support, often being a sounding board. In addition, meet with a nutritionist and your child so he/she can learn the risks of too much weight, along with the right foods to eat to make a difference.
Of course, you would want to have your child checked by your family doctor to make sure there are no serious health issues that might be the problem. If everything comes back fine, then you can breathe a sigh of relief and begin a fun but rewarding program. Remember, to help your teenager, you too need to change. That means while your child is eating grilled chicken and salad, you cannot be sitting there eating a chilidog and cheesecake.
Another great tip is to reduce the quantity of food consumed. By making foods that are filling and satisfying, this should not be a problem. You have a choice of literally thousands of recipes that have excellent flavor but also the right foods that will fill the stomach quicker. Even if your teenager goes to a restaurant with you, show him/her that leaving food on the plate is okay. If you ordered a cheeseburger, cut it in thirds, taking one-third home for the following day with a nice salad.
You also want to eliminate all soda, even diet soda. Most families are hooked on soda, which is high in sodium. In fact, many people do not realize that diet drinks are almost worse than full sugar sodas, doing nothing to help a person lose weight. You can cut calories by switching from whole to 2% milk. The flavor is slightly less rich but still delicious. This will provide your growing teenager with calcium needed but without the heavy calories and fat content.
Create a cheat day for your teenager so that he or she can have a chocolate shake and French fries. By eliminating all good food, your child will likely not even try. Therefore, make a reward day, as long as the rules are followed throughout the week. Finally, teach your child the difference between being hungry and bored. By getting your child involved with sports, swimming, walking, martial arts, bicycling, or some other physical activity, boredom is overcome so the only time your child eats is when hungry.
Should I Put my Teenager on a Diet?