Teen Diet and Nutrition

The teen years are hard ones, emotionally and physically. Your body is changing from a child into an adult, sending the body into a seven year battle with itself. You've got so many new things to deal with, learn about, experience, control, and stay away from. It's tough being a teenager.

You shouldn't have to worry about weight on top of everything else. Unfortunately, many teens are worried about weight. But the question is, why are teens worried about their weight? Is it peer pressure? Those TV commercials and ads we all see with tiny thin, to die for, model bodies? Mom and Dad telling us we're overweight and need to loose a few pounds? A new boyfriend or girlfriend that we want to impress? Or our own self-image of ourselves?

Guys, let me let you in on a secret. Thin is not in! While it is not healthy to be grossly overweight, like 100 pounds overweight or more, there is nothing at all wrong with having a bit of substance to your body. I can hear them gasping now, as they read this. (Grin)

You've heard the saying that everyone is not created equally. This is true for our bodies, too! There is entirely too much emphasis placed on being thin and tiny. TV, film, and advertisements have only added to the myth that thin is in.

If you look around you on a normal day, you'll see that most people are not the model type. Most people have normal bodies, with different shapes and weights. Most people are not thin! Join the real world and be yourself.

So you're jealous of the drop dead gorgeous blond that's dating that hot guy. You think to yourself, if only you were that thin. You weigh yourself, and are shocked to find you're 20 pounds over what the books say should be your ideal weight for your height. Baloney!

Let me assure you of one thing. Weight is not where it's at. I firmly believe in a person taking care of their body, and not being grossly overweight. That's not healthy. But if someone is only looking at the outside of you, and not the inside, pass them by. The real you is on the inside, not what you look like on the outside!