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Food for thought
Let's say you've started taking more exercise and that side of things
is going well, whether it's a few longish walks or bike rides a week,
swimming, team sports or something else entirely. You might not even
need to worry at all about changing what you eat. But you could benefit
from a few simple principles.
Generally,1. think in terms of eating differently, not eating less,
2. keep eating so that you can grow and develop properly during this
crucial time in your life, 3. Eat more fruit and fresh vegetables, 4.
try to drink water instead of sugary drinks. (Link to Nutritional Needs).
Water is underrated. It's usually free, it's good for your skin and
it wards off fatigue.
Dieting dangers
Everyone's on a 'diet' all their lives. It's just that some diets are
healthier than others. A diet simply means the sum total of everything
you eat and drink. When you're a teenager it's vital that you get all
the right ingredients for growth.
Dieting is dangerous because it can cut out good things as well as bad
and lead to serious health problems, such as anorexia, bulimia (link
to Mind Matters) and malnutrition.
So try to accept yourself the way you
are and keep a sense of fun.
Warning signs
If your own diet or a friend's is out
of control, alarm bells can ring in many
of ways. If you or a friend do any of
the following, you may want to seek some
advice:
- withdraw from family and friends
- eat in secret
- use laxatives or vomit
- continue to diet even if not overweight
- fear food
- have frequent spells of weakness,
headaches or dizziness
- think about food all the time
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