From Jacquelyn, Age 12 - 01/02/01 - IP#: 64.12.104.xxx  Click here to reply  
I am very overweight. I don't tell my friends my weight or size in pants. I am very embarrassed, and here I am telling you all. I am 12, going on 13 in June,and I wear a size 16. I am very fat. This may sound stupid, but I have a paper route. I walk 2 miles everyday, and I really have no choice, because the paper route is a must do...everyday. I weigh somewhere from 160-180. I have no clue how much I weigh, because I am not so sure if the scale I use is accurate. I am trying to cut down eating a lot, and eat 20 grams a day. Everyone is giving me comments that I look like I am losing a lot of weight. My pants are even starting to feel a bit loose, but I want to get down to a single digit. I don't even feel like I am losing weight, though. I am fat. I mean, the pants may feel lose, but I could just be thinking that because I want them to feel loose. Does anyone have any tips? Also, maybe some of you know of a teen weight loss program. My parents say just exercise, and eat the right foods. I am not really active in sports, but I want to get into tennis, volleyball, and tae kwon doe. I might even start yoga. So please, if you have any tips, let me know. Please send your responses to Jackie5302@aol.com if possible. Thanks so much!
Reply from A Mom that Cares, Age 38 - 01/15/01 
Just tell yourself... I Can Do it !!
You are a human being and one of God's Creations. Your heart is what he see's. Keep it right and you'll be fine- Stop for a few minutes, think about some foods you do like that aren't fattening- like salads with lowfat dressings- get in the habit of nibbling on things that have no fat content in them. Just go for a walk every day and night if you can and start eating a lot of fruit, a lot of vegetables without butter or margarine, try and eat some baked fish every week!! tuna is very good for you- just add a very little bit of relish if you like and give up the bread! Just eat a little bit of wholewheat bread. take a vitamin every day- tell yourself you can do it and just start thinking thin today!! We love all of you- all you can do is take one step at a time.. eat Turkey breast too! Eat oatmeal- the kind you cook and put a little honey and milk and raisins in it- its the best thing to eat everyday for breakfast- it is sooooooooooo good for you!! Really.. Please try this- It will help you and remember, someone is praying real hard for you :) Try drinking some very cold ice water with fresh lemon sliced in it throughout the day. The lemon burns fat. Also drink grapefruit juice. LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER- It helps keep you full and you don't want to eat too much- so eat good when you do- at least three small meals a day. or about 10 very healthy things a day- think about all of the food groups and just TRY IT !!
You can do it!!
 
Reply from Ariel, Age 14 - 01/03/01 
It's great that you have a paper route and want to get into those activities. But remember, these things take time. "Good things come to those who wait." Maybe all you need is a little more patience and self-esteem. It might help if you invest in a friend to do your excercises with. Then as you chat away the minutes, the workouts will go faster and it might seem that it didn't take all that long to lose weight. Just remember: GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!! =)