Staying a Healthy, Normal Weight

Our bodies need a healthy diet, which should include all the things you need to develop normally - proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. Cutting out things you might see as fattening, such as carbohydrates or fats, can stop your body from developing normally.

There are some simple rules that can help you to stay a healthy weight. They sound quite easy, but might be more difficult to put into practice. You can ask your family and friends to help you to stick to these rules - and it might even help them to be a bit more healthy!

• Eat regular meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Include carbohydrate foods such as bread, potatoes, rice or pasta with every meal.
• Try to eat at the same times each day. Long gaps between meals can make you so hungry that you eventually eat far more than you need to.
• Get enough sleep.
• Avoid sugary or high-fat foods and junk foods. If you have a lunch of crisps, chocolate and a soft drink, it doesn't feel as if you're eating much, but it will pile on the pounds. A sandwich with fruit and milk or juice will fill you up, but you are much less likely to put on weight - and it's better for your skin.
• Take regular exercise. Cycling, walking or swimming are all good ways of staying fit without going over the top.
• Try not to pay too much attention to other people who skip meals or talk about their weight.

If you follow these suggestions, you will find it easier to control your weight, and you won't find yourself wanting sweet foods all the time.