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Happy Tummy Expert

2 weeks ago

Dear Tulsi, Thank you for the question

Adolescence or teen age is a critical period of our lives in which our body undergoes rapid changes, growth and development. It is very essential to consume a healthy balanced diet with adequate amount of protein and other nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin D etc., which will help support growth, development, pubertal changes and strong bones.

 An adolescent girl should take enough calcium rich foods in her diet to support the increase of bone density and maintain healthy strong bones. Some of the calcium sources include milk, cheese, paneer, Ragi, curd, yogurt.

Reference weight and height for a 18-year-old female is 48.1-59.5kg and 155.3-166.9cm respectively

A sustainable and healthy weight loss regimen, should target on overall weight loss and fat reduction. Weight loss requires a holistic approach that involves lifestyle modification which includes Dietary modification, Physical activity and stress management. With any weight loss plan changes take time to reflect as your body requires sufficient time to adapt to the changes in order to show results.

An ideal weight loss meal plan should include calorie deficit diet with appropriate exercise regime followed under professional guidance.

 However here are few objectives to be considered when planning to start with a weight loss program.

Count Your Daily Calories

• It is recommended to consume 500kcal less than your average, daily, current dietary intake of calories to target on 2-3kg weight loss per month (ideally 0.5kg per week).

• This target is a healthy& sustainable way of reducing and then maintaining the weight loss.

• The first step hence is “counting your daily calorie intakes”. Counting your daily calorie intake is proven to be effective when on a weight loss diet. You can use applications/apps freely available, that will help you count your calories to keep a track on your daily calorie intake and physical activity levels.

• These apps will also help you to track your hydration & sleep patterns which also impact your weight.

General Dietary Guidelines for weight loss that can be considered:

• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes all the 5 food groups (cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, milk & milk products).

• Do not skip your meals. Have small quantity of meals at regular intervals.

• Choose healthy snacking options in between your meals.

• Monitor your portion size.

• Include protein in your diet. Some of the vegetarian sources include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, nuts & seeds, etc. 

• Fiber in your meals can potentiate the satiating property, suppress excess hunger and control food intake. All fruits and vegetables, whole grains, multigrains, millets, nuts & seeds etc., are a good source of fiber.

• Try switching from saturated fats and trans fats to MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids) & PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) as they are essential fatty acids and are good for your health.

• Consume fresh, seasonal fruits as they contain many essential nutrients and are good sources of fiber.

• Carbonated and alcoholic beverages to be limited or preferably avoided.

• Deep Fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.

• Minimum of 8 glasses of water should be consumed to keep yourself hydrated.

• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before Bed time.

• Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

Some Physical Activity Tips:

Engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity such as walking Throughout the week.

 Here are few guidelines that can be considered for nutrition management during workouts / Sports activities

 Pre-workout –the role of nutrition is fueling

• Carbohydrates are the preferential fuel for general exercise sources of carbohydrates are whole wheat, millets, multigrain, wheat bran, oats etc.

• Low fat and moderate protein should be consumed to reduce gastric disturbances

• Good Pre-workout food options include oatmeal, whole grains, fruits such as banana, apple etc coupled with dry fruits.

• Always start your workouts well hydrated.

During Workout- The role of nutrition is performance

• For shorter period of exercise carbohydrate intake is not necessary

• For longer periods consuming carbohydrate rich snacks like energy bars, sports drinks can prevent fatigue and delay hunger.

• During exercise water should be consumed every 15-20minutes to avoid early fatigue.

Post- workout – the role of nutrition is recovery

• Consuming protein is necessary to help gain recovery and prevent muscle loss

• Carbohydrates should be recovered to restore glycogen

• Post workout food options include paneer, curd, fruits, smoothies, etc

• Rehydration with water or electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride help maintain electrolyte balance blood pressure of the body

It is very important to be well hydrated when beginning your workout.

Do contact your fitness expert do discuss your protein needs as per your exercise routine. It is recommended to practice regular workouts and exercise under professional guidance.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions please contact your Health care professional or any registered dietician.

Hope we have answered your query.

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