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Teenage Dieting

Posted by: Whitney Hagan on June 7, 2007 at 2:54PM EST

I am 16 years old and I play a sport year round. I would consider my self fit and of average weight for my height. I have many friends who are obsessed about their weight and they have begun to diet. It makes me crazy to see these beautiful teenage girls at sleepovers or birthday parties not participating in birthday cake or ice cream becasue of their restrictive diets. In my personal opinion, teens SHOULD be healthy and aware of their weight, however; they SHOULD NOT diet or change their eating habits dramatically. If a teen feels overweight or unhealthy I believe they should add more fruits and vegetables to their diet and maybe cut back on TONS of carbs and sweets, NOT CARBS all together. As teenagers, our bodies are growing and changing everyday, and it is important that we get more carbs then the average adult to keep up with our changing bodies.

I think that teens actually get a lot of pressure about their weight from their own parents. I know that people think that their kids are beautiful no matter what, but many parents may slightly hint at a change in diet or a weight problem and they do not understand the effect it has on their kids. Especially with girls their moms need to be really careful becasue they look up to them a lot and their own eating habits will affect their child's. I have noticed that when a girl's mom is thinner than she is, it really distorts the daughter's self image. I am not saying that all moms have to gain weight and MUST out weigh their daughter, but especailly in our society today when many mom's are trying to lose weight make sure that your daughter does not feel like she is in a competition. Mom's have to be extra careful about what they say. Don't put your daughter on some "list" of dietary restrictions and keep them in the house around her. It just makes her feel like she is huge and everyone around her is allowed to eat. If she really has a problem In my opinion the best solution is exercise.

I believe that teenage kids should be able to eat whatever they want and just "exercise it off". Especially when our metabolisms will allow it. I understand that this might not be possible for all young teens, but a slight change in diet or addition of healthy foods is sufficient. Teens should enjoy themselves and feel like they don't have to worry about food yet. Parents need to back off. Get outdoors. Enjoy This time in your life!

(5) Comments

Posted by: Haylee Mitchell on June 13, 2007 11:56AM EST

this is a great blog whit! its so true, at our age we shouldnt be worrying about dieting. we should be more focused on having fun and exercising which will then allow us to eat more of what we want. you're soooo great! :)

Posted by: Jax on June 12, 2007 2:41PM EST

I completely agree with you. I have started to eat more fruits and vegetables, even though chocolate is still my weakness. It's difficult to intake the recommended 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables daily. Most days, I satisfy the fruit requirement, however my vegetable intake is lacking. The problem for me is even though I exercise, I intake more calories than I work off. It's not right for parents' to regulate their childrens' daily menu, but teenagers do need to understand the importance of a healty diet (and not the type you go on for 2 weeks at a time). I have started to incorporate more fruits and veggies into my diet as a way to change my eating patterns and eat healthier. If I don't change them now, they'll only get worse and worse!

Posted by: Steve on June 8, 2007 5:17PM EST

I agree with your comments. So much emphasis is placed on weight that more and more younger people are convinced that they are never skinny enough or they wil not be accepted. Being healthy is just just physical, but emotional as well. I think the Youth Obesity crisis also plays a big role. It is a newsmaker a lot that obviously needs to be addressed, but for the right reasons. I think a lof teens who are at a healthy weight buy into the notion that they are obese as well....It is good to hear that someone so young like yourself has such clear thinking.

Posted by: sj on June 8, 2007 12:46PM EST

That is such a good reminder to parents. Thanks for giving a teen perspective on the issue.

Posted by: juff on June 8, 2007 8:46AM EST

Thank you so much for what you wrote. You have a great head on your shoulders there is no doubt!! I have to guess that some of your healthy attitude was passed down by your parents. As a parent myself, I can see how much we positively or negatively influence our children without even realizing it. I hate that teenage girls think twice about what they are eating. I remember "pigging out" at parties without a thought of how it would affect my weight. It doesn't get much better than ice cream and cake!! I was a very active teenager and I know that helped combat the indulgence. I 100% agree that making healthier eating choices and staying active can combat many weight issues. Parents do need to back off and make sure they are being good role models in their own attitudes and healthy choices!! It seems like you will continue to be a positive role model for your friends as well!!