Just Ask Julia! 16-04-2012

Dear Fat-Free,

Firstly, ask your parent/guardian to take you to the doctor just to make sure there isn’t anything hormone related or medically off balance. Once the doctor has given you the okay, ask him or her for a healthy eating/exercise programme. A good way to start a healthy eating programme is to get your entire family involved. It is easier to lose weight when you have the support all around you. I suggest you look up some fruits and vegetables on the Internet (adult supervised, of course) that are local and readily available. If you see a fruit or vegetable that interests you, then the next time you go to the supermarket buy one and share it with the family. Not only are you trying new fruits, you are also building a stronger relationship with your family by talking about the fruits and vegetables that each of you like or dislike. I suggest making a small chart with a few columns, placing each family member and the fruits and vegetables that are liked and disliked. In another column write down the taste that each person describes for example, the mango is sweet, yummy or tangy. In the next column write down if they would try the fruit or vegetable again, that way each family member can remember what he/she tried and how it tasted. Once you have a healthy eating plan in place next come the exercise programme.

 

The best way to exercise is for 30 minutes every day. For a young adult, it is important that you do not overexert yourself in physical activity. It may lead to more damage and cause you to quit sooner because you are not seeing the results after pushing yourself so hard. Consistency is key. It is easier to exercise when you make it fun. For example, if you and a few friends live close to your school, instead of taking a taxi or bus ride home, try walking (always keeping in mind safety of course). You can also get involved in a school sport or extracurricular activity like cricket or swimming. If your school has, a dance club or any activity that requires movement, try it out and see if you like it. If your school does not have a dance club, ask a teacher to sponsor the club and get other young ones active as well. Another easy way to exercise is at home with a 30-minute exercise video, a treadmill, skipping rope, walking up and down the stairs, using hula-hoop, doing gardening and even cleaning which actually help burn calories.  Mix it up! For example, walk home with your friends one day. The next day, skip rope and the next day have dance class and so on. The main idea is to have fun and enjoy yourself. The minute you make exercise a chore is the minute you start heading back to putting on the pounds.  

Good Luck and Have fun!

Sincerely, Just Ask Julia