Eat Right​—Look Better!

The Bible recommends moderation in our habits. “Don’t . . . stuff yourself with food,” says Proverbs 23:20. (Contemporary English Version) That advice isn’t always easy to follow.

● “Like many teenagers, I’m always hungry. My parents have likened my stomach to a bottomless pit!”​—Andrew, 15.

● “Because I can’t actually see how some foods are harming me now, they don’t seem that bad.”​—Danielle, 19.

Do you need more self-control when it comes to your diet? Here’s what some of your peers say works for them.

Listen to your stomach. “I used to count calories,” says 19-year-old Julia, “but now I just stop eating when I’m full.”

Avoid unwholesome foods. “By cutting out soda,” says Peter, 21, “I lost ten pounds [5 kg] in just a month!”

Adjust bad eating habits. “I try not to go back for seconds,” says 19-year-old Erin.

Secret to Success: Don’t skip meals! If you do, you’ll feel starved and tend to overeat.

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“I MADE A LIFESTYLE CHANGE”

“By the time I was six years old, I was slightly chubby. Then, gradually, what started out as having a treat here and there turned into snacking all the time! And I never did anything active​—I never liked to. Before I knew it, I was an overweight teenager, which was something I never wanted to be. I was so unhappy with the way I looked and felt! From time to time, I tried to lose weight with some special diet, but I always gained it back. So when I was 15, I decided enough was enough. I wanted to lose weight the right way​—a way that I could maintain for the rest of my life. I bought a book that discussed basic nutrition and exercise principles, and I incorporated what I read into my life. I was determined that even if I ‘fell off the wagon’ or got discouraged, I would not give up. Guess what? It worked! Over the course of one year, I lost 60 pounds [25 kg]. I’ve maintained my weight for two years. I never thought it would happen! I think the reason I was successful is that I didn’t merely diet​—I made a lifestyle change. Once I embraced the fact that this was going to touch every aspect of my life, I was ready and willing to make the necessary adjustments.”​—Catherine, 18.