Safe Diets for Teens
Too often teenagers try fad diets that are not healthy for them. It is important for teenagers to eat a diet full of nutrients, and to combine healthy food choices with a responsible exercise program.
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Family Plan
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Cut out sugary and salty foods together as a family, and prepare low-fat meals at home. Make exercising together fun by taking long walks together or engaging your teenager in a game of basketball. This gets everyone involved without the teen feeling like it is just his problem.
Weight Watchers
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Weight Watchers is more than a diet--it is a lifestyle. It teaches your teenager healthy eating ideas, gives exercise options and provides community support. Your teen can choose which foods she wants to eat, and will learn which ones satisfy her longer (see Resources).
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Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)
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TOPS, a national non-profit self-help club, assists its members by promoting healthy lifestyles in eating and exercising. They are continuously researching and expanding their approaches to obesity, bulimia and anorexia. Like Weight Watchers, you can attend weekly meetings or join a community online (see Resources).
Professional Support
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If you suspect your teenager may be struggling with bulimia or anorexia, you should take her to a therapist for some cognitive-behavioral therapy to figure out the root cause of the issue.
Weight Loss Camps
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Some children may achieve better results in a different setting. Weight loss camps such as Well Spring Academies provide a clinical program, complete with a low-fat diet, exercise management and counseling support (see Resources). Try to adapt the program so the teen can continue it at home.
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