You’re 12 years old and you’ve been taking care of yourself as much as possible. Eating healthy food, participating in sports, and getting plenty of sleep have kept your weight in check. Now that your parents’ patience has paid off, they want you to start losing some weight. But it’s not just about fitting in with the cool kids anymore. Being overweight as a 12-year-old can put you at risk for serious health problems. Here are 12 ways to lose weight for a 12 year old so you can get yourself checked by a doctor.
Eat Healthy Foods
A healthy diet is essential for children of all ages, but it’s especially important for young ones. Putting yourself at risk for health problems requires you to watch what you eat and make sure the food you are consuming is good for your body. Your parents know you as an independent child and may not always understand why you need to eat healthier. Make sure they know how important it is for your physical and mental health. It may not be easy at first, but they’ll thank you for it later.
Try Something New
If you’re the adventurous type, then seek out new things to try. There are many fad diets out there that promise to help you lose weight, but they may not be good for you. Avoid these fad diets and try something that’s been around for centuries; eating chocolate. If you’re not a fan of chocolate, then perhaps try some red wine. You may have heard that drinking alcohol can help with weight loss, and this may be true, but it’s important to find out what kind of alcohol you need to drink and how much is acceptable. A simple search on how to lose weight can turn up a host of results, but none of these will be good for your health if you aren’t mindful of what they are telling you. So, be sure to consult with a professional before you begin any kind of weight loss program.
Take Advantage Of The Winter Season
In the winter, it’s colder than normal, which means it’s a perfect time to shed some pounds. The key to losing weight as a kid is to avoid all the extra calories you would normally consume in the summertime. One way to do this is by taking advantage of the winter season and bundling up in lots of warm clothes. Another is by staying indoors more, which limits the amount of daylight you are exposed to. The less daylight you are exposed to, the less calories you will consume. You can also use this time to learn about nutrition and how to make healthier choices. During the winter season, it’s also a good idea to try and reduce your screen time or take up a sport to burn off some extra calories. Warming up before and after school can also help ensure that you don’t store any extra calories as heat. During the winter months, your body needs less energy to stay warm, so it is a perfect time to lose weight. Just make sure you get out there and exercise regularly so you don’t gain any weight during the off-peak season.
Avoid Fast Food And Takeaways
It’s easy to get distracted by the allure of quick food and takeaway options, particularly when you’re a kid. The problem with these foods is that they are usually loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives that undermine your health. If you would like to lose some weight, then it’s best to avoid these foods and any unhealthy snacks that might sneak their way into your pantry. The same goes for takeaway food; when you’re a kid, it’s easy to get tempted by the allure of something fried or in a box. However, these foods are high in calories and low in nutrients, which make them an unhealthy choice. If you want to lose weight, then it’s best to avoid fast food restaurants and all food that isn’t fresh. You can also bake your own burgers or make your own sausages. With burgers and sausages, you don’t need to use any nasty processed meats, and it’s a whole lot healthier for you.
Join A Gym Or Dance Club
Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find a gym that offers a suitable gym for children. If this is the case, then consider joining a dance club or taking up a sport. These are simple ways to get exercise and stay active during the year, even if your parents aren’t willing to let you join a gym. If you’re a fan of modern dance, then look up a local dance class or team up with a friend to take lessons together. Many dance clubs have classes where you can learn tricks and techniques for sports such as running, jumping, and boxing. This could be a good way to get some exercise in a safe and fun environment.
Consult A Physician
If you’re over a year old and you’re experiencing health problems related to your weight, then it’s time to consult a physician. Your parents might not understand the health risks you’re facing because of your weight, but a doctor should. Even if you don’t mind having a doctor to tell you what you can and can’t eat, it’s still necessary to have a doctor to confirm what constitutes a healthy diet for you. Your doctor might suggest a specialist who can help you lose weight and determine what’s causing your health problems. Once your health issues are resolved, you can return to your regular diet.
Don’t Be Fooled By Marketing
Marketing tactics such as ads, billboards, and magazine articles will have you believing that certain foods are good for your health or that you need to lose weight for the sake of your self-image. This kind of thinking can trap you in the trap of wanting to eat something because it’s trendy or because it’s being sold to you as a healthy choice. If you don’t want to lose weight, then it’s best to ignore these kinds of tactics and stick with the foods that your body needs. Your bodytype and health issues will guide your diet choices, rather than the other way around.
Don’t Listen To Popular Opinion
Most people, particularly adults, want to believe that certain foods are better for you than others. This can lead you to think that what your friends are saying about a certain food is accurate. However, your bodytype and how you react to certain foods will determine how healthy they are for you. It might not be what your friends are saying that’s wrong, it could be that they’re serving you a homemade snack that isn’t suitable for your dietary needs. You may not be aware of how certain foods affect you until you try them. For this reason, it’s important to be mindful of what you put into your body and eat only foods that your body needs. Popular opinion isn’t always right, especially when it comes to food. Sometimes it can be very misleading.
Get Enough Sleep
Your body needs sufficient amounts of sleep in order to function properly. If you’re not tired, then you’re likely not getting the sleep your body needs. You should be sleeping for at least nine hours per night, but no more than 13. If you’re finding that you’re waking up in the middle of the night and not getting the rest you need, then it might be time to consider altering your sleeping pattern. The cause of your sleep problems might be related to your anxiety level; if this is the case, then try and relax before you go to sleep. Also, avoid watching TV or using technology just before you go to bed. These things can stimulate your brain and prevent you from falling asleep. If you don’t want to lose weight, then it’s best to sleep and avoid eating before you go to bed. This will assist you in avoiding extra calories and the sugar that comes with eating late at night.
Exercise Regularly
It is well known that exercise can increase your body’s metabolic rate. This is important because it means that your body is working hard to break down food and get energy. Your parents may not always understand why you need to exercise, but they will appreciate your efforts once they see the results. It is a good idea to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days per week. This can be as simple as going for a bike ride with your friends or joining a gym with your family. There are lots of fun and interactive activities that you can do at home, as well. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or battling a dinosaur, you’re bound to have fun while getting your exercise.