Chapter 7 The Foods You Eat
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Calories and
Physical Activity
Daily physical activity is important
to manage your weight. Physical activity
can affect your weight because the calories
you use are increased. Walking, bicycling,
basketball, and swimming are all good
forms of physical activity. Nutritionists,
doctors, or school nurses can help you
plan a diet and physical activity program.
Regular physical activity burns
extra calories. Being active keeps your
muscles in good shape. This helps your
appearance and makes you feel energetic.
Physical activity can also help you
build well-toned muscles. Adding muscle
can also add weight. Physical activity may
help increase your appetite and improve
how you feel.
When you start a new physical activity, begin slowly. Otherwise, you
may damage your muscles. Give your muscles time to get used to the new
activity. If you have health problems, check with your doctor before you
start physical activity.
Reading
Review
1. How can regular physical activity help you manage your weight?
2. Why should you start slowly when you begin a new physical activity?
Eating Disorders
Some teens, mostly girls, can develop abnormal, unhealthy eating
patterns known as eating disorders. Eating disorders are often linked to
the mistaken belief that people must look a certain way to be happy. Not
everyone can, or should, look like very tall and too-thin models. All body
build types can be attractive.
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and
binge eating.
Anorexia nervosa
is an eating disorder in which the fear of
weight gain leads to poor eating patterns, malnutrition, and excessive weight
loss. Sometimes exercising too much for the amount of food eaten is part of the
disorder. A person with anorexia nervosa often feels overweight even though
they really may be underweight for their body build. If anorexia nervosa
remains untreated, it can cause severe health problems or even lead to death.
Physical Activity Choices
When you develop a physical
activity program, think of different
ways you can go green. For instance,
before you decide to join the local gym,
consider the type of equipment available
and how much electricity it uses. Also,
consider the gas you will use to drive to
the gym. Going for a walk or a bike ride
saves electricity and gas, but still helps
you burn calories. What other green
ideas can you add into your physical
activity program?
Think Green