Weight loss, at its core, is really nothing more than a mathematical formula. In order to lose weight you need to eat less calories then you use. If you take in more calories than you need, you’ll gain weight.
And yet, so many of us struggle. We all know what to do. But for a variety of reasons, we eat more than we should, or we don’t make wise choices in our food, or we gain weight. What’s alarming though that as we concern ourselves with our waist lines, so too do our teenagers.
Of a survey recently taken over 50% were dieting or had started a diet within the last three months, prior to taking the survey. The problem is that dieting, especially in adolescence, can set you up for a lifetime of weight problems.
Deprivation and Binging
It stands to be noted that by dieting I mean, denying hunger cues and depriving yourself of food. One problem with ignoring hunger cues is that it can often lead to binging.
This makes sense if you think about it. Have you ever sworn off a certain amount of food? Then you get hungry and you’re passing a fast food restaurant and before you know it the super sized meal is in your stomach? That’s what happens when we ignore our hunger cues. We binge because when we finally eat, we’re so hungry.
Researchers are noting that the earlier one starts this cycle, the longer the battle with weight will be. Another problem with ignoring hunger cues, especially in adolescence, is that they change based on activity (I know I was more active when I was younger) and growth spurts.
A Healthier Alternative
As a result of the study (or perhaps he study confirmed what’s been said all along), doctors are recommending a ‘no deprivation’ diet. Rather than ignoring your hunger cues, eat! In fact eat all you want, every time you’re hungry. Just make sure that what you’re eating is healthy food: a piece of fruit, granola, yogurt, even a baked potato can all pass for a healthy snack.
Unhealthy Snacks
And what, you may ask is to become of your ice cream and cookies. (Or insert whatever high calorie food you want there.) Go ahead and have a cup of ice cream every once in awhile! Everything in moderation will get the job done!
Also see:
Top 10 Reasons Why Dieting is Bad