Consejos para jóvenes con diabetes: mantente en un peso saludable (Tips for Teens with Diabetes: Be at a Healthy Weight) (en Español)
Download This Publication (NDEP-85)
Want this item now? Download it here:
Print this Publication (NDEP-85)
To print large quantities of a publication, you can order printer-ready files for $20 each by calling 1-800-860-8747.
Order this Publication (NDEP-85)
To order a copy of this publication, select quantity and "add to cart".
- Show order info Hide order info
Single copies up to 10 copies, free. Each additional package of 10, $2. Limit 100 copies (10 packages).
This easy-to-read, Spanish and English tip sheet for Hispanic/Latino teens and families encourages teens to manage diabetes by moving more, making healthy food choices and losing weight if they are overweight.
Last reviewed: 11/01/2012
Being a healthy weight is good for everyone—whether or not you have diabetes.
A healthy weight means you are not too fat or too thin. It helps you:
- Feel fit.
- Stay well.
- Feel good about the way you look.
- Prevent health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
If you need to lose weight
- Be active at least 60 minutes every day.
- It is okay to break it up into 20 minutes, three times a day.
- Play sports or ride a bike. Walk your dog. Play video games that make you move. Put on music and dance. Ask a friend or family member to join you.
- Keep TV and computer time to 2 hours or less each day.
- Cut some calories each day.
- Drink water instead of regular soda, sweetened fruit drink, or fruit juice. You cut about 150 calories.
- Eat a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar or bag of chips. You cut about 200 calories.
- Eat smaller portions at meals and snacks.
- Still hungry? Have more fruit or veggies.
- Eat breakfast every day. It will help you focus better at school.
- Have one bowl of whole grain cereal with nonfat or low-fat milk. Add a piece of fruit.
- Try two slices of whole grain toast. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter, a hard-boiled egg, or a piece of low-fat cheese. Drink a glass of nonfat or low-fat milk.
- If you get your lunch at school, choose:
- Small deli or sub sandwiches with lean meat and mustard or low-fat mayo instead of fried foods.
- Nonfat or low-fat milk instead of chocolate milk.
- A piece of fruit instead of cookies.
- Pack your lunch at night to save time in the morning.
- Use leftovers from dinner to make a sandwich.
- Add raw carrots and a piece of fruit.
- Talk to your doctor about losing weight slowly and safely.
At salad bars, pick a mixture of veggies and fruits. Use 1 tablespoon of low-calorie dressing.
Healthy Eating Tips
- Eat slowly. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before having second helpings.
- Help plan, shop for, and make family meals.
- Drink a glass of water before you eat.
- Fill half your plate with salad or vegetables.
- Use very small amounts of butter, margarine, or salad dressing.
- Eat only a small serving of a dessert at the end of a meal—and not every day. Have a piece of fruit instead.
Most teens need a snack after school. Use a small plate or a bowl to make sure you do not eat too much. Do not snack while watching TV or at the computer. Try:
- A piece of fresh fruit.
- One cup of veggies served with salsa.
- A small bowl of whole grain cereal with nonfat or low-fat milk.
- A small bowl of soup and a few whole wheat crackers.
- One small corn or flour tortilla with one or two slices of low-fat cheese or turkey.
- One handful of low-salt pretzels and a slice of low-fat cheese.
Being a healthy weight when you are young may help control your weight for life.
Fast food restaurants are okay sometimes, but not every day.
- Order child-size meals and drink water instead of soda.
- Choose a grilled chicken sandwich or a plain hamburger. Both are a better choice than a burger that is covered with sauce, cheese, and bacon. Add a small salad instead of fries.
- For pizza, order thin or medium crust. Eat only one or two slices. Top with veggies instead of meat.
- Have a small bag or a handful of baked chips or low-salt pretzels instead of regular chips.
Get your family and friends involved.
Talk with your doctor about ways to make healthy food choices and be active.