[kasumi_satoshi]

I'm 15, 5'3 and weighed this morning, 142 pounds. Since school started (4 weeks ago) , I've already gained 4 pounds. Not fun. I have a costume coming in for Halloween, and I want to be able to fit it, but I'm worried that this rate of weight gain is gonna interfere with that. So I thought I'd get started on losing/maintaining some weight. But my previous attempts haven't been successful. I've kept up with at least 3 weeks of DDR/target toning but saw not a single lost pound. I watched my food intake pretty well too. Quite discouraging.My new plan of attack is to try an hour (the game marks it 30 minutes) of DDR and then alternating toning of the upper/lower body each day along with it. I can't really choose my meals because I gotta eat whatever is at school and whatever my mom has waiting for me at home for dinner. But I was thinking a granola bar would work well for a before-workout snack. During school, I was wondering if water would effectively help keep my hunger at bay for awhile (an hour at least) without me having to chug a whole bottle. Also, I was going to start a food journal. Some people say you should mark the calories, others don't. I'd rather mark calories, but what do you do about the foods that don't have a label? Like homemade foods?Any tips would help, thanks.

[VavaBOOM]

I think you shouldnt blame the food thats offered at school, or what your mother makes you. Instead of accepting whats in front of you, talk to your parents about whats for dinner every night. Also, everyone knows how awful school food is. Bring a healthy lunch. It will taste better anyway. Dont blame outside resources for your problem, that way when you see results you can feel more proud.

[LukeMVP]

I think it is good that you are thinking about your diet as a 16 year old who also thinks about what i eat, although as a boy i am more botherd about keeping fit than my size. but i know what you meen about choosing meals as it is hard when you are kind of forced to eat what your parents give you.as far as counting calories is concernd i wouldnt recomend it because i have heard stories of people getting obssessed and becoming anorexic. i know now it doenst seem that way but it can easily get that way. just keep your head up and try not to focus on it too much and just make sure you eat in moderation. i know this doesnt seem like a good asnwer or what you want to hear but i wouldnt worry about putting on 4 pounds youl loose it easily and just getting back into the routine of school could have caused thatall the best and enjoy halloween

[fearless_archangel]

School lunches and schools overall are one of the top reasons for kids and teens being unhealthy. Despite the inconvenience there are foods that are easy to carry around. Sandwiches made with whole wheat are always good but granola bars can be tricky. Most granola bars contain a very high amount of sugar. The best granola bar I have encountered are the ones made by Kashi. Also for breakfast there are ways to prevent hunger. A slow digesting meal can supply the body with energy for a good amount of time. Such meals include eggs with toast, oatmeal, or sausage and grits. Mainly a combination of fat and protein with a little carbs or just a meal with complex carbs will support you early in the day. For dinner, I suggest conferring with your parents. If they are unwilling to cook to your specifications just use strict portion control. Since your breakfast and lunch will probably be mostly carbohydrates I would suggest focusing on protein when fixing dinner. Meat and vegetables should be your goal. I would use strict control over red meats, fried meats, breaded meats, buttered vegetables, and baked goods like biscuits. In addition, remember to stay hydrated.For your workout if you eat a granola bar you will have to let it digest before you start. When you eat something blood flow to the stomach is increased, reducing the amount of oxygen received by muscles. If you lift weights you should do so before cardio activity so the fat cells can be released by the body and burned for energy. In fact, it would be best to lift weights for at least 10 minutes before any cardio activity. If you want more information go to bodybuilding.comDon't let the name deter you it covers a lot more than just lifting weights. I hope this has been helpful.