GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHY EATING

Weight-loss diets can be harmful (and futile), especially during adolescence. During these prime growth years, the human body goes through all sorts of changes both chemically and physically. We're often tempted to compare our looks with those around us or even to those we see illustrated in magazines or those who are currently popular in the movies.

The truth about our bodies is that each of us are individuals. Our physical make-ups are different, our environments are different and our metabolisms (the rate at which our bodies convert food to energy) are different. Whatever "look" is hot right now may actually cause life threatening injury or damage to others who's bodies require more calories for proper growth. Trying to emulate the look of others is a sure sign we don't have a good self image and not that we're actually too fat, thin, short or tall.

Proper and healthy eating habits begin with an understanding of the basic food groups. There are six food groups, which are arranged in a pyramid configuration to make them easy to remember. The 3 groups you should eat the most of (vegetables, fruit and bread, cereal & pasta) make up the base of the pyramid. Meat, dairy and sweets make up the top sections of the pyramid and should be eaten less frequently and in smaller portions. No single food group is less or more important than any other because it takes a balance of all of them to keep the body healthy.

Another important consideration for staying healthy is planning when to eat. One should consider eating a good sized breakfast to give the body and mind all the resources to begin the day's activities but a moderate sized lunch so as not to get too sleepy in the afternoon. We should shy away from large meals in the evening because we're not as active.

If you are concerned that you're eating too much, try keeping a food diary of everything you eat and drink for several days or a week. Compare your list with the food group pyramid to see how you stack-up. You may find that a better selection of the foods you eat will contribute more to your overall health and appearance than strict diets or total abstinence.