These days, the age of girls concerned about their weight is getting younger. What was once a concern for those 18+ has now become a concern for those 16+. As parents, we need to understand that an unnecessary diet at a young age can cause irreparable damage to a child’s metabolism and physical development. And sadly, with teenage girls it’s even more difficult because of the potential risk of developing a harmful eating disorder.
That being said, there is the other side of the coin that highlights the fact that there are teenage girls out there who legitimately need to lose weight. What should be done for them? Would it be smart to put them on the Atkins diet? Or, are there specific weight loss tips available for teen girls? Yes, and check with your doctor before trying any of the following.
The vast majority of advice for teenage girls who want to lose weight tends to focus on what not to do:
o Do not follow a fad diet, such as the cabbage soup or grapefruit diet. Their bodies develop well into their 20s, and they need a full range of vitamins and minerals to keep their development on track.
o Don’t starve yourself, for the same reason. However, no one at any age should resort to a starvation diet to lose weight. There are just too many ways it can hurt you. And besides, eventually they will have to eat something. Have you ever seen a car run out of gas?
o Don’t try to be as skinny as your favorite stars. They are grown women who don’t always make the right decisions; they’re also not necessarily as healthy as they seem, ie Nicole Ritchie. Plus, they can afford to spend hours a day with personal trainers and nutritionists, a luxury few teens can enjoy.
o Don’t become a vegetarian just to lose weight. It’s not as simple as not eating meat. When someone gives up meat, he has to replace the good things he gives you with a wide range of other foods. Many teenage girls see this as a viable option. Show them how fresh fish and chicken breast won’t make them fat, or help them plan a healthy vegetarian diet that makes sense.
As you probably already know, telling a rebellious teen “no” won’t work forever. To be prepared. There are many ways your teen daughter can lose weight effectively and safely, and she’ll need your help and guidance to do it right. If you’re the parent of a girl who wants to lose weight, here’s how to help:
1. Make losing weight about being healthy, not being skinny. There is plenty of scientific evidence to support this way of thinking, and it will help her feel like she is doing the right thing herself.
2. Keep comments and conversations about your weight to a minimum. Teenage girls already have enough to obsess over without you joining them.
3. Lead by example. Get everyone in the family to eat healthier. Don’t force her to eat a salad while the rest of the family eats a big pepperoni pizza. There are many delicious and healthy foods available that your whole family will love.
4. Stay positive when shopping for clothes. Celebrate a smaller size and suggest fun things in her size instead of focusing on styles she can’t wear.
5. Be alert, but keep quiet about it. If you are too bossy, he will resort to drastic measures to lose weight. If you see that your daughter is losing weight at an unhealthy rate, monitor her use of laxatives and her use of the bathroom after meals. To talk with her.