Switched-On Magazine

Over the past 10 years the amount of teenagers that are overweight and obese has risen dramatically. There is no one source to blame, but things like fast food, video games, genetics and a more sedentary life style are definitely playing a role. There are many problems that arise with being an unhealthy teen. Being overweight as a teen can increase your chances of later in life developing a chronic disease. Other results include teens tend to have lower motivation and self esteem, it can increase the chances of being bullied or picked on in school, there have even been studies showing that teens who are involved in sports are more likely to graduate and go on to college. So how does one try to become healthy while being surrounded in a world of quick fast food and visual stimulation? First you need to make a plan.

Here are a few options to include in your plan.

1. Dump the Soft Drinks: It may be quite hard to do for some of you, especially that Mountain Dew that can help get you through your last class of the day. Having no nutritional value, soda, which is made up of a lot of sugar, can help contribute to weight gain.
Instead: Switch to diet soda, or tea, which will still have caffeine but with no sugar.

2. Did Someone Say Healthy Fast Food: Usually fast food and healthy will never appear in the same sentence, but recently many restaurants have added healthy options to the menu. So instead of the extra large fries and double burger, choose a grilled chicken sandwich or salad, after awhile you won't even be missing the extra grease and will start to feel better about what you are putting in your body.

3. Walk the Walk: Its so easy to jump into the car everywhere you want to go. Most people never think about walking to their friend's house or to the mall. Not only will it save you gas money, but it is also a great way to sneak in a little work out.

4. Sign Up: Many teens are not involved in high school sports, but that doesn't mean they have to sit on the side. There are many community programs for all different kinds of activities, and surprisingly many are free. Check out your local YMCA, or community sports programs. If you are not into basketball, you may just find karate to be a good match.

5. Drop the Remote: Watching TV, playing video games or using the computer is a huge contributing factor to an unhealthy life style. This doesn't mean that you can never do these things, but just start to decrease the time spent doing them. Give yourself one hour a day to watch your favorite shows or play your favorite game. Instead of sitting, go to the park, walk around your neighbor hood, or hang out with friends.

6. Grab a Pal: Working out alone or eating a salad while your friends is chowing down on French fries can be very hard. So ask a friend to get healthy with you. Having someone that you can lean on for support, and talk will increase your chances of succeeding your goals.

Even if these suggestions may not be right for you, it doesn't mean there is not a plan out there to fit your needs. Do some research and come up with a plan that will help you get in shape and start to feel better. Ask your family to become involved, so that everyone pushes each other to a healthier lifestyle. The summer is the best time to get started, So, put those sneakers on, and take a walk in the direction of a new healthier you.