FIT Teens

Did you know that for some people, too MUCH focus on losing weight – the number on the scale – can actually make them more likely to GAIN weight? A much better approach to getting healthy is to follow these rules as often as you can, and allow yourself days to cheat without feeling guilty.

• Eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables each day
• Eat 3 meals a day, no skipping breakfast!
• Keep screen time to less than 2 hours a day.  Yes, that includes texting!
• Be active doing something you love at least 1 hour a day

Drink almost none of the sugary stuff.  All you need is plain old water and milk.  Everything else is a treat.

Sarah C. Armstrong, MD is the Director of the Healthy Lifestyles Program at Duke University. The program focuses on empowering kids and families with the skills and knowledge needed to live a life of healthy eating and active lifestyles.