So how does a highschooler with no control over the groceries diet?

Question

I dont want to lose a billion pounds in the course of three weeks or anything, my main goal is about 20 or 30 pounds (Im 5'6", 165lbs, a month from 15 years old) But, I dont want a diet that will take me years to reach my goal. Im aiming for about 10 pounds per month (if thats too much, any suggestions?) I dont want something that will require me to buy weird foods or diet pills. I just want a healthy workout routine (for winter months ^^; Ill run, but Id like to know how to dress for cold weather if thats the case) and a diet that I can follow with basic foods you could find in any refridgerator (my family is generally healthy eaters, so we are actually pretty short on the junk foods and fizzy drinks)
Once again, no ridiculous wonder diets. Just something logical that wont get in the way of my daily life (no six meal a day diets, I tried that and didnt like it)
Thanks to anyone who helps :D

Answer 1

Portion control.

You can't control what's on your plate, but you can control how much you eat. Basically just stop when you're hungry and only eat when you're hungry. I've noticed that as I started to exercise more, I wanted to eat less.

Try to get your parents to buy more fruits and veggies. Instead of grabbing for something junky or less healthy, focus on the healthy aspect.

Also try to not set a goal weight. You're 15 and growing, and if you gain muscle you may not lose any or gain some. BUT you'll see your waist decline.

I ran for 12 minutes every night and after 3 months I had lost 3 dress sizes but only 10 pounds. BUT I kept it off.

Answer 2

First off, congratulations on wanting to lose weight the HEALTHY way, too many people opt for fad diets that do more harm than good. I'm a teen too, and I'm also trying to lose weight, so I'll give you some of the tips I'm using.

1. I add foods I want to the family grocery list, and go shopping for foods sometimes.
2. At school, I eat salad or a sandwich for lunch, and fruit and veggies (try a green apple or celery and a tablespoon of peanut butter) for snacks.
3. Exercise has always been a bit of an issue for me because it feels like I never have the time to work out. Can you join a gym? Or does your school have an indoor pool or workout equipment? If so, use those in the winter.
4. I recommend eating about 1,500 cals a day, a serving of fruit and veggies with every meal, healthy snacks (pretzels, hummus, peanut butter, salsa, low-fat milk) and lean meats and proteins. I'm vegan, so I get my protein through nuts, beans and soy.


If you follow a healthy diet and exercise about 3 to 4 times a week, aim to lose about 7 pounds a month (weight loss will decrease slightly as you lose more weight)

Good luck, I hope this helped!

Answer 3

First, I would recommend that you aim for more in the range of four-eight pounds a month...one or two a week is healthy and the most likely to actually stay over the long run. And then, when you run, the key is to wear a 'tight' layer underneath, a looser one next, a warm one next, and then a
'coat' layer (on top, not too warm) so that you can take them off if you are overheated but still warm when you start. And good socks (thick).

As for the food, just stick with as many fruits and veggies as you can (aim for six...I find that when you get six in a day, there is not a ton of room for wanting a whole lot of non-essentials). Then also go for two servings of protein and three of dairy (since you are teen). That means like a chicken breast and an egg, tuna (on a sandwich) and a lean hamburger for the protein. And then two glasses of milk and a yogurt or a glass of milk, some cheese on your burger, and some string cheese as a snack or something for the dairy. Then fill in the rest with whole grains (ie: a couple slices wheat bread, most kinds of cereal, oatmeal, brown rice, couscous, sweet potatoes, sensible snacks (those 100 calorie packs are good for a sweet tooth), and granola bars. That should pretty much cover you for a healthy diet.

Just make sure to keep portions in check. A serving of protein is about as big of deck of cards (tuna, turkey breast, chicken breast, hamburger, ham steak, fish filets, tofu). Eight ounces of milk or yogurt is a serving, one ounce of cheese (a thickish slice or four dice together for a chunk). A cup of rice, a slice of bread, a cup of cereal, one granola bar are all the grains. Fruits and veggies are the ones you can usually have pretty abundantly and not go wrong. A serving of fruit is a half cup (except cantalope and watermelon) or a piece. A serving of cooked veggies is a half cup and raw is a cup. Hope I helped. You are really mature and going about this in the right way. I commend you for it.

Answer 4

A good amount of weight to lose per week is about 2-3 pounds. You might try fitness walking. It's free and you can do it anywhere AND you don't have to dress special for it. If you are a runner and want to intensify your workout, add hills.

Sounds like you already know about healthy eating. Just watch out for anything in excess. Moderation is the key. You don't have to eliminate total food groups to be successful.

It doesn't sound like you need to lose too much weight. Maybe ten pounds. Look into the new height/weight charts and your basic metabolic rate (bmr).

Glad you don't want diet pills. Magic in a pill doesn't work (I've tried too!).

Good luck!

Answer 5

Your really smart ,this is a great age to start a plan for life. First of all realize that it takes time,1 1/2 to 2lbs a week is best, to keep it off long term.Eat what your Mom cooks,just know your portion size.Eat slow and chew good.At school try the salad bar, if they have it.Read labels;look out for hidden sugars and trans fats. Also low fat is better than fat free.when they take out all the fat they add sugars to make taste better.
move and breathe.When the weather is bad ,get a CD and dance that is good exercise.When its nice walk, walk all you can.Walk you dog,or with a friend or your mom,or kid brother.just remember sometimes its not good to walk alone. And watch the pounds fall off,and everything shape up.GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

the key is portion control dear. No more than five ounces of meat of any kind in one day, no more than 2 cups of vegies, keep your breads and starches to one cup a day, or one slice a day. Get a little kitchen scale and measure all your portions, the realistic goal is 8 pounds per month, you might lose as much as 10 if you add walking for a half an hour straight every single day.

Answer 7

You could take less portions of food during meal time, try to drink more water, something healthy. Run for at least 15 minutes a day, and slowly excercise more as you adjust to the 15 miutes, just take it little by little, and step by step, it adds up over a period of time.

Answer 8

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables they have low calories but are actually good for you.In the winter dress warmly but when your excorsicing your body warms up on its own.Ten pounds a month is fine and drink lots of water.Good luck!

Answer 9

Try yoga or running.

If you're running in winter months, dress in a jogger's nylon suit or windbreaker. If its really cold, don't jog outside, try a jogging machine.

Answer 10

usually i tell my mom i want to eat Heather and go to the grocery store with her, or just eat smaller portions, or when you buy food make smarter decisions on whats going in your body.