If you have diabetes and are overweight, you are not alone. The steps you take to manage your weight will help you feel better and may improve your blood sugar or glucose (GLOO-kos) levels.
Staying at a healthy weight when you are young can help you manage your weight for life. It also can help prevent problems like heart disease and high blood pressure.
If you eat less and get more active, you should lose about one pound a month — and feel great. It’s best to be slow and steady in your weight loss because you are still growing. Ask your doctor to help you.
Here are some simple ways to cut calories:
Very low-calorie diets are not healthy for growing children and teens. Kids who do not eat enough food may not grow or develop the right way.
When you don’t have much time before school, try a couple of slices of whole grain toast with a tablespoon of peanut butter, or a hard-boiled egg, or a piece of low-fat cheese.
A small breakfast bar and a glass of nonfat or low-fat milk is another fast meal that can go a long way.
Many schools have salad bars; choose high fiber vegetables and fruits and low-fat protein foods. Use a small amount of low-calorie dressing.
Small deli or sub sandwiches made with lean turkey or beef are healthy choices, too. Use mustard or a little low-fat mayonnaise.
If you have time in the morning, you could pack a lunch of healthy foods to take to school. Or you could make your lunch the night before.
A grilled chicken sandwich or a simple hamburger is a better choice than a burger that is covered with secret sauce, cheese, and bacon. A baked potato with a little butter or sour cream is a good choice, too.
If you are eating pizza, order thin or medium crust instead of deep dish or stuffed crust pizzas. Eat only one or two slices and add a salad with a little dressing.
Try a small bag or a handful of baked chips or pretzels instead of the regular
kind of chips
