Tips to Maintain Good Health

There are so many ways teenagers can do to achieve a healthy body. One tried and tested way, not only for teens but for all adults as well, is to exercise. To exercise means to engage in any physical activity to keep the body fit. If you’re the athletic type, get into a sport that you like such as baseball, soccer, volleyball or basketball. By all means, join your school’s varsity or sports training program. If you live near the school, you can walk every day or ride your bike several times each week.

Drinking milk is also ideal for teens. If you think this is only good for the kids, think again. Try the fat-free or low-fat milk. Milk actually has lesser calories compared to sodas. A cup of skim milk has only 80 calories plus protein and calcium while a can of soda has, in fact, 150 calories of sugar with no nutrients to gain at all.

Eat a wide variety of foods from the three food groups like meat, bread, grains and dairy food products. Eat high-protein foods such as lean meat, chicken, fish or beans and whole grains like whole wheat bread or pasta that give you fiber, vitamin B and iron. Don’t forget your fruits and vegetables, too, at least five servings each day. Avoid junk foods that won’t give you the proper nutrients.

Don’t skip breakfast because it’s actually the most important meal of the day. Studies have shown that those who eat breakfast perform well in school, have a tendency to eat less during the day and have the ideal weight.

Drinking eight glasses of water daily is as important. Avoid drinks high in sugar such as sodas.

When dining out at fastfood restaurants, try to choose the smaller portions. Even if you feel they offer a better value, avoid going for the large size.

Fad diets are not for teens. You may lose a little weight on a short term basis but if you fail to change your habits, you will just gain back the pounds when you go back to your normal way of eating. Avoid taking diet pills as well including those that can be bought over the counter.