BlubberBusters Tips from Lucy

Sometimes when situations are unpleasant, people will do everything they can to avoid them. The same thing happens with being overweight. Some kids think it’s their problem, and they’ll deal with it their way. Others may not even know where to start and are afraid to ask for help, because they don’t want their family or friends to know that they need help or even bring attention to themselves. Or, in the case of losing weight, they are afraid they might fail again. Please see the poll on what kids say about asking their parents for help.

It is OK to ask for help. When teens ask for help in losing weight from their friends and family, they may actually stick to the plan of eating healthy and exercising. Friends and family are there to keep you on track and tell you what a great job you are doing. Changing your lifestyle to a healthy one is no easy task. Sometimes it just helps to be able to tell someone what you find difficult about it. Just saying it out loud may help you think of ways to reach your goal.

If you keep how you feel bottled up inside, it stays there until you feel like you might explode. Think of what it's like to shake a can of diet soda and then open the top - it sprays everywhere. If you keep how you feel inside and don’t ask for help, when family or friends try to help, you might snap at them or get very upset.

Think of one person you feel comfortable with. Maybe sit down with them and let them know what they could do to help you, even if it is just sitting with you and listening. There are also groups available with teens who feel the same way you do. Think about talking to your doctor or parents about joining a group. The kids on this site can help you, on the teens and preteens bulletin boards and in the chat room.
 

Make this a healthy week!

 (Click here for past week's tips)