Getting teens onside with nosh will do a fit lot of good
ENCOURAGING teenagers to be healthier can be tricky, especially if they already have issues around food.
So how do you approach the subject with your daughter?
Fitness expert Laura Williams said: “This is a very delicate issue. Naturally, you want what’s best for both your daughter’s physical and mental health but treading this line carefully is key if you’re to avoid compounding an existing issue, or creating a new one.
“There are a few simple steps that should help you to get started, such as making it a family affair.
“Try to get the whole family on board when it comes to diet. Create a cooking night and take it in turns to rustle up something simple and healthy.” It’s also important to get moving.
Laura said: “Get on board with some exercise. Moving enough is an equally important aspect of weight management.
“Enter a charity race together and investigate local exercise classes – try something different each week until you find a fitness community you can both settle into, then make that your weekly fitness night. “Getting the whole family into an event like Parkrun will give your new exercise routine some structure – and a goal to strive for outside of your daughter’s waistline.”
It’s also important to purge your house of as many treats as you can live without.
Laura said: “Removing temptation isn’t the same as forbidding foods.
“Reduce the treat stash gradually, replacing it with tasty and lower-calorie items such as fruit, dips such as salsa and tzatziki and higher-calorie options that are less moreish, such as seeds.
“Avoid demonising any food too much, as this can contribute to setting up boom-bust dieting scenarios.
“Appeal to other cosmetic factors too – highlight the fact that fruit and veg, seeds, fish and plenty of water can have wonderful effects on the skin, hair and nails.”
Removing temptation is not the same as forbidding foods