Expert: Meg - 10/19/2007

Question
Hello Meg!! I am Gerald, 12 years old and currently weighing 75 kilograms. Do you have any good suggestions for me?? I play basketball every weekends. I can't be able to play at weekdays because of school work. Thanks for any tips you would give me!!

Answer
Hi Gerald!

Thanks for your question and I apologize for taking a day to get back to you.  

The two main things that you can do are trying to be as active as possible and eating healthy foods whenever possible.  By becoming more aware of the foods you are eating, you can make healthy choices and being active will help keep your body fit and in shape.

Its good that you already play basketball and I would encourage you to be as active as possible (even if you run around when you have recess or walk to school if possible, this helps).  

Otherwise, I would encourage you to make healhy food choices when possible.  Eat fruits and vegetables and try to talk with your parents about cooking healthy meals for supper.  If you watch tv now, try to be aware if you are snacking while watching tv and if so, either don't snack or find healthy alternatives.  Some good (and tasty) healthy snacks include: fruit, and apple with peanut butter, carrot sticks and fat free ranch dip, baked pita chips with hummus, a bowl of healthy cereal.

Here is a link to a site with more healthy snack options:

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/healthy_snacks.html

Overall, you are still growing so I would make sure to eat a healthy diet and be active and try not to worry too much about your weight.  I'm sure it will work out.

Hope this helps and best of luck to you!

Take care,
Meg