By Niti Garg:
Today’s youngsters are far more conscious of their looks as compared to the scenario a few years back. This is the time when everybody wants to look his/her best. Overweight youngsters thus feel left out with a dreaded feeling of not being welcome in a group. This is followed by crazy fad diets in a bid to lose weight fast. It goes without saying that it only weakens such teens from within. Well, starving for beautiful body is not the solution for weight loss.
According to the health experts, “dieting is the practice of ingesting food in a regulated fashion to achieve or maintain a controlled weight, but it is beneficial to the body only if used in combination with physical exercise to lose weight in those who are overweight.” It is an old saying “you are what you eat”. Instead of starving yourself till you get crazy, make a few sensible changes in your regular schedule like some exercise, outdoor games and reduction of fast food. Eat a lot of greens and include fresh juice in your diet. “Since, their bodies grows, diet for teens have to be rich in calcium, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals”, says a dietician, Saumya Agarwal.
By changing the focus from weight to health you are focusing on the positive aspect. Getting healthier should not be about becoming prettier or skinnier, that can lead to problems down the line. Trying to emulate a model should not become a goal of your life. Many such photographs are just digitally enhanced.
Gagan Sharma, a yoga teacher, says, “As teenagers grow they need more energy than an adult. It is in teen nature to be active, although in these days teenagers tend to spend more time in front of TV and computer.” He continued saying that a daily exercise routine is essential to reduce weight and tone the body. You can also choose hobbies like swimming, dancing, aerobics, and tennis which will help you to stay fit.
Teenagers have to eat a little but often and have to participate in all possible activities. If you follow a good diet and perform sports activities it is sure you will be lean, good looking and a healthy teen. “It is guaranteed that you will lose weight if you follow a good diet in combination with 1 hour activity 5 times per week”, says Gushes Vivek, a trainer in gym.
It is said “extreme of everything is bad”, in the same manner if a very low caloric diet is taken it will lead to adverse side effects such as loss of lean muscle mass and electrolyte imbalances. As muscle tissue is denser than fat, fat loss results in increased loss of body volume compared with muscle loss. Any diet that fails to meet minimum nutritional requirements can lead to prolonged hunger, depression, fainting, blood shot, constipation and dehydration.
With these ideas of weight loss, you will be able to remain healthy! If you enjoy the activity you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Therefore, make weight loss your lifestyle, not starvation.