I am 13 years old, in 8th grade, five feet tall and overweight. It feels like I have tried EVERYTHING to lose weight and nothing is working. You will probably tell me to exercise and eat healthy...but I am. I'm not a big potato chip and soda fan; the only junk food I have is sometimes a cookie. I am also in volleyball, which keeps me active for a couple hours five days a week.
When I was younger, I ate a lot of junk food and it caught up to me. Now I can't borrow my friend's sweatshirt or anything, and guys steer clear of me. It makes me feel horrible! What can I possibly do to lose weight, get guys to notice me, and feel confident?!
Hey girl, I am so sorry to hear that. Trust me when I say that eating healthy and exercising does make a difference, even if you don’t think you can see it in the mirror. When it comes to solving your sitch, however, your solution is twofold: When it comes to your bod, talk to a doctor. When it comes to your confidence, do exercises to build it up from the inside.
What’s Up, Doc?
It’s important whenever you try to lose weight that you talk to a doctor, who will help to determine a strategy to lose it healthily (so no crash diets!). In your case especially, a doctor can tell you why you’re not losing weight. Maybe it’s baby fat from puberty that you’ll lose as you grow. Your doc can give you the answer based on your health history and some weight loss strategies customized just for you.
Everything in Moderation
A note in terms of diet: It’s important to realize that just eating healthy doesn’t translate to auto-weight loss. Five apples, while much healthier than one cookie, is still five of something, after all. Diets are not only about quality, but quantity. Be sure to limit what you eat to serving sizes. Eat until you’re satisfied, not until you’re full. Once you’re satisfied, stop.
Confidence Builders
Having confidence inside can translate to a more gorgeous you that attracts guys on the outside. When you look at yourself in the mirror, make a list of things you love about yourself. Counter every negative thought with two positive ones. At school, be courageous: Talk to that guy you’ve been crushing on since forever. You’ll find that if you put your best forward and keep a smile on your face, you’ll def get one back.
All in all, don’t lose hope. It can be discouraging when you don’t see results, but by talking to a doctor, keeping things in moderation and daring yourself to be your best you, you will get that right kind of attention. Remember, all girls are beautiful no matter what their numbers are. Best of luck!
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