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Nikki1998 · Aug 5, 2010, 12:31 AM

Hi I'm going into grade 8 and I'm 5 feet tall an I weigh 150 pounds and I NEED HELP please I'm scared I might get diabetes so can you please help me lose weight!! And how long will it take to lose 50-60 pounds because this is just not a healthy weight at all

Just Looking · Aug 5, 2010, 01:17 AM

At your age, a diet isn't necessarily the best way to go. You will always benefit by eating healthier and exercising. Instead of going on a diet, see if you can change the way you eat for good. You'll want to talk to you mother about this and get her help. Things to consider:

Eat a mix of foods from different groups:
-Fruits and vegetables
-Milk and dairy products
-Meats, nuts, and other proteins
-Grains, especially whole-grain breads and cereals

Avoid sweets and sodas. They are empty calories.

Be active. Are you doing anything now to exercise? It can be anything from walking, running, swimming, riding a bike, playing sports, etc.

You will still be growing. From age 12 to 17, I grew 6 inches in height.

Before you do anything, talk to your mom and see if she'll make an appointment with your doctor. You want to do this right. Don't do any of the fad diets you might read or hear about. The best way to approach this is to change to healthy habits you can maintain for the rest of your life, but with adult supervision.

Nikki1998 · Aug 5, 2010, 11:08 AM

Thank you! And my dad is going on a diet in 2 weeks should I join him but not nessacarily as struck at his is?

Nikki1998 · Aug 5, 2010, 11:09 AM

Strict*

slapshot_oi · Aug 5, 2010, 11:28 AM

I have a few relatively simple tips that have kept me trim for years:

Drink a lot of water. In fact, replace everything you drink with water, even grape juice, because juices, although sometimes passed off as healthy, are either loaded with sugar or some kind of synthesized sugar substitute.

Avoid all processed foods and anything with more than 5 grams of sugar per serving. Calorie counting is garbage, it's where those calories come from is what you should be concerned with.

Become a weekday vegetarian. It's healthy and meat will taste much better because you'll see it as a luxury rather than the usual Thursday night dinner.

Only eat until your 80% full. It takes about a half-hour after you've eaten for your brain to realize you've eaten enough.

Just Looking · Aug 5, 2010, 11:33 AM

Nikki,

That's a great idea to do this with your dad. It will give you both motivation. I think your best bet is to start by eliminating sweets and sodas. Eat when you are hungry. Snacks are good, as long as you pick healthy snacks. I eat 3 meals and at least 2 snacks a day. Good snacks could include a small amount of snacks (almonds are especially good), fruit, carrots and celery (celery with peanut butter or apples with peanut butter are really good), low fat cheese, olives, a couple of slices of turkey. There are lots of choices. Variety is really important as it will keep you from getting bored and eating something not as healthy. Also, be sure and get some activity. You and your dad could go for walks, which is also a nice way for you to connect with him.

As Slapshot says, you don't want to eat until you are full. Eat until you are satisfied. That's another thing about snacks. Just knowing you are going to enjoy one in a couple of hours makes it easier to not overeat at mealtime.

Nikki1998 · Aug 5, 2010, 01:19 PM

Thanks Guys! And is there a certain excerise that will help me lose weight?

Nikki1998 · Aug 5, 2010, 02:19 PM

Is there any other suggestions also? So mabey I can combine them!!