A Teen's Guide to Staying Energized

It is important for teenagers to take some responsibility for their health. Parents cannot always be there to make sure you exercise and eat right. The following list will help teach some proper methods of incorporating a healthy diet and physical activity into everyday life. A body that is fed well and exercised is full of energy and vibrant.

Physical Activity

Chair Squats: Before sitting down in class, make the movement to sit but before actually hitting the seat, stand back up. Repeat this movement five times before taking a seat.
Take the Stairs: If the school has more than one floor, it has stairs. Try to organize hallway time so that the stairs are taken between each class.
Extra Walking: Make the day less efficient. Walk into the school through the door that is farthest away from the first class of the day.
Ten Activities

Healthy Eating

Avoid Sugar: Sugar tastes good, but there is no value in it at all, and after a little burst of energy, it will cause you to crash and take away any concentration ability.
Don't Skip Meals: If you are too busy to make something to eat or trying to cut calories, those plans will backfire. Always take the time to have a healthy meal before school and at lunchtime, and have a healthy snack in the afternoon.
Don't Diet: If a teenager avoids sugar and eats foods that are healthy, the body's metabolism will take care of itself and there should be no struggle with weight.

Work-Out Tips

Breathing: It is essential to learn proper breathing techniques. Follow the link above for techniques to reduce stress and increase brain activity.
Join a Sport: Joining a sport through the school or an extracurricular activity will guarantee a daily workout with proper training.
Aerobics: Doing aerobics is the sure way to burn fat and release extra energy. No special equipment is necessary, just go for a run or take the bike out for a spin.

Healthy Snack Recipes

Hard Boiled Egg: A hard boiled egg is simple to make, and if a whole dozen is boiled at once, all the better. Place a dozen eggs in a pot of cold water. Slowly bring the eggs to a boil then turn the water off. Let the eggs remain in the water for twenty minutes and peel them when they are cool. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready for a snack.
Apple and Cheese: An apple has carbohydrates for energy and the cheese makes the energy last. A Gala apple and an ounce of cheddar cheese make a great combination.
Cereal: Choose your favorite healthy cereal (not a sugary one!) with fiber in it. Put one cup in a plastic zipper bag for a simple snack that can be carried around in a backpack or purse.