I'm 13 and 200 pounds!

All my friends are way skinnier than me and no guys ever like me. I don't like one thing about my body. I play sports and I want to diet, but healthy food is so expensive. My whole family is on the bigger side, and there is junk food everywhere in our house. I want to lose as much weight as possible by this time next year for my 8th grade semi-formal. Help!

Hey girl! I'm sorry you don't like one thing about your body. It's important for mental health to think positive thoughts. So, right now I want you to think of one thing you do like. Do you like your skin? Is it a creamy ivory or a golden tan? Do you have adorable freckles? Maybe you have the cutest toes, especially when painted electric blue! There are tons of things to love about yourself, and it's important to celebrate those things.

Don't Compare Yourself

I know it's hard not to compare yourself to other girls, but that's where trouble starts. Remember, every girl's body is unique and different. Also, remember that everyone's body is changing at the age of 13. Your skinny friends might develop full hips and bigger breasts in a year or two. It's important to focus on your own health and not compare yourself to anyone else.

Be Healthy

Healthy food doesn't have to be expensive. While it is usually more expensive than junk food by a few dollars, think about all the great benefits. You get tons of nutrients, protein and fiber from healthy food. It fills you up so you feel satisfied, unlike junk food. Junk food is empty calories that leave you even hungrier. It's a cycle!

Diets Don't Work…

…It's a proven fact. What does work is watching what you eat. Don't go back for seconds, skip the third piece of pizza, have a bite or two of chocolate cheesecake rather than eating the whole thing. Cutting back on food and including healthy options like nuts, fruits and vegetables will help reduce calories and leave you feeling good about yourself.

Don't Focus On the Number

Girls often diet and exercise to lose weight, not to be healthy. Do the opposite. Eat and exercise to be healthy. Numbers on the scale don't always reflect the truth. Judge your health by how much longer you can run, how toned your arms become and how your pants feel looser.

It's great you want to get healthy, but remember, it's important to do it correctly. Don't starve yourself or over exercise. You are your own person, and you may never be a size 0, 2, 4 or 6. What is important is being healthy and happy in life. Also, talk to your doctor the next time you are due for a check up! He or she will be able to help you make healthful lifestyle changes.

xoxo

Liz

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