Directed Writing: Article

Some Tips on Weight Loss and Weight Management

                These days, many teenagers are very concerned about their weight. Many go on crash diets hoping to be transformed into models with svelte figures.  Some, who are already slim, embark on such diets to become as skinny as Victoria Beckham. The seriousness with which teens tackle weight issues is worrying as the methods they use, such as going on crash diets and consuming slimming pills, are harmful. This article is therefore written with the aim of giving sensible solutions to weight loss and weight management.

                First, one should always eat sensibly. One way to do this is to cut down on foods that are high in sugar and fats such as cakes, biscuits and fast food. You should consume more fibre-rich foods as they keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. Instead of eating white bread, go for whole meal bread. Also, you should consume more vegetables and fruits, especially green leafy vegetables. Be selective of the fruits you eat and avoid those with a high sugar content. One important tip to help in weight management is to chew your food slowly. This way you will eat less. When you eat in a rush, you tend to eat more and the results will show on the scale.

                You should never go on crash diets as they are unhealthy. One major reason for this is that you will gain back the weight that you had lost. At the end of it, you might even be heavier than when you first started dieting. Crash diets take a toll on your body. This is detrimental especially to students. When you deprive your body of food, you will feel physically tired and mentally sluggish an this will affect your daily activities and disrupt your studies. Remember, your body needs nutrients in the right amounts to function efficiently.

Another useful tip to reduce your weight is to learn t recognize hunger pangs. Whenever you feel hungry, ask yourself whether you are really hungry. In fact, you might only be thirsty. This way you can cut down on unnecessary calories by drinking plain water instead of reaching for food.

Lastly exercise regularly. No weight loss programme is effective without some form of exercise. Exercise helps to burn calories and you continue burning calories for some time after finishing your exercise routine. Experts recommend that you exercise at least three times a week for a minimum of thirty minutes. There are many forms of exercise you can take up, the easiest of which is walking.

Remember, your goal should be life-long weight management, not just short term weight loss at the expense of your health. Maintaning a healthy lifestyle takes effort especially in a country which is a culinary delight where people eat all the time. You have to be disciplined if you want to achieve and maintain your ideal body weight.

Written by,

Nurul Haziqah Norjahan