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  1. Healthy Weight Loss Tips for Teens

    By Kalina Martinez on March 16, 2020

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    Excess weight and obesity in adolescence can contribute to a greater risk of obesity in adulthood and a lifetime risk of diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. Studies show that the best strategy to help teenagers lose weight is to promote healthy eating and exercise habits.

    Helping teens to lose weight and reduce excess body fat will improve their health and will boost their self-esteem and confidence. However, it’s important to lose weight the healthy way by making healthy nutrition and regular exercise part of their lifestyle. Here are 8 healthy weight loss tips for your teen.

    1) Cut Back on Sugary Drinks

    Sodas, energy drinks, sweet teas, and fruit drinks are all loaded with added sugars that can lead to weight gain in teens and may also increase their risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies show that teens are likely to consume sugary drinks if their parents do so get your whole family to cut back together.

    2) Limit Sweets High in Sugar

    There are certain foods like ice cream, cookies, bags of chips, candy, and sugary cereal that are too tempting and it is best to keep them out of your house. High-sugar foods not only drive hunger but may negatively impact your teen’s health and weight, academic performance, sleep, and mood.

    3) Avoid Fasting and Fad Diets

    Even though fad diets and fasting, eating very little food, may sometimes result in teens losing weight, this is a short-term solution that is very dangerous. Instead of focusing on short-term weight loss, teens should instead concentrate on achieving slow, consistent, healthy weight loss over time.

    4) Eat Plenty of Fruits & Veggies

    Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and low in calories! A healthy snack will also help your teen stay energized and alert during the day. To ensure your family gets plenty of fruits and vegetables each day, we recommend you try to keep pre-washed produce always available to simply grab and eat.

    5) Avoid Skipping Any Meals

    Although skipping meals seems like a good way to lose weight, it actually slows down a teen’s metabolism and can cause them to eat more throughout the day. Studies show that kids who skip meals are more likely to be overweight than those who make eating a balanced meal a priority.

    6) Focus on Regular Exercise

    It is important that your teen exercises regularly not only to stay fit but also to perform better in school. According to experts “exercise boosts academic performance in various ways: allowing kids to focus on their school work; boosting self-esteem and mood; and increasing blood flow to the brain.”

    7) Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

    Most experts agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. It is also a great opportunity to get a healthy dose of essential nutrients. To get your kids ready for breakfast, consider making their bedtimes earlier each night so they have enough time to enjoy it.

    8) Schedule Early Bedtimes

    It is important that kids and teens get a healthy amount of sleep each night to stay focused. They also need more sleep than adults because they are in a time of fast physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. To help your teen stay alert, experts agree that they get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

    Maintaining Balance and Consistency

    Being fit is all about learning balance and consistency while having the right guidance and support to be successful. At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give teens (ages 8-18) the tools to transform their lives and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. By combining nutrition, group support, and exercise classes, we provide a complete solution that empowers kids and teens to achieve their fitness goals.

    We are driven by a strong belief that all children deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential. It all starts with a personal consultation to better understand your child’s eating and exercise habits. Let us help your teen become an amazing version of themselves and schedule your free class today. We look forward to serving you and your family with excellence. Thank you for visiting us!

  2. Teen Weight Loss Secrets to Know

    By Kalina Martinez on March 8, 2020

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    Do you know why it is almost impossible to lose weight permanently as an adult? Studies show that most of the health habits that you developed during your childhood stay with you for the rest of your life. This is because habits are actions that we perform subconsciously and are very difficult to break.

    Even though we currently have over 37,000 fitness centers, our obesity epidemic continues to worsen. In fact the obesity rates in adults have skyrocketed from 27% in 2000 to 39.6% today. By 2030, half of all U.S. adults will be obese. The sad truth is that the health habits kids have are only getting worse.

    According to the AHA, “french fries are the most common vegetable that children eat, making up 25% of their vegetable intake” and “juice makes up 40% of children’s daily fruit intake.” Also, about 50% of preschool-aged children are not getting the amount of physical activity that is recommended.

    Technology, busy schedules, fast food, and lack of exercise are all factors that are contributing to our obesity epidemic. The truth is teens are learning many bad habits that are very difficult to change.

    Too Much Technology – These days, kids learn to use technology at such a young age that they spend their whole lives texting, playing video games, and staring at screens. The problem is that their bodies were created for movement and not this kind of sedentary activity which can lead to obesity.

    A Busy Lifestyle – Even though it is better for teens to be busy than lazy, packing their schedule with too many activities leaves little time left for play and relaxation. It is important for kids to have fun and do their own exercise through play while still having enough time for relaxation to avoid burnout.

    Fast Foods – According to the CDC, fast-food consumption has increased fivefold among children since 1970. The fact is a diet containing high levels of fat or sugar and few nutrients can cause teens to gain weight quickly. And poor health stemming from childhood obesity can continue into adulthood.

    A Sedentary Lifestyle – The CDC recommends that children get at least one hour of exercise daily to remain healthy. Unfortunately, most teens today are sedentary and the more inactive a child is, the greater the risk of many major health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

    How Your Environment Impacts You

    Our habits drive our lives and there are a millions things that we do every day without thinking. From walking to the store to brushing our teeth, our habits are all part of our daily routine. What you do every day ultimately forms the person that you are. Your life is essentially the sum of all your habits.

    Changing your habits and losing weight is a difficult but achievable goal, if you set yourself up for success. However, trying to commit to a drastic change and relying on your willpower alone will not work. The trick to building new healthy habits is to change the environment that is around you.

    According to studies it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic. In other words to eliminate or create a new habit it will take the average person about 66 days. It is very difficult to develop a new habit since it takes an enormous amount of willpower to do something for 66 days without succumbing to temptation. As a result, most of our daily lives are made up of the same habits.

    Your environment which includes your home, family, friends, location, school, work place, and lifestyle impacts you far more than you realize for better or worse. You simply can not make significant, lasting change without altering your environment. Changing it is the best way to set yourself up for success!

    Here are 6 ways teens can change their environment to build healthy habits that will last a lifetime:

    #1: Keep some foods out of your home.

    There are certain foods like ice cream, cookies, bags of chips, candy, and cheese that are just too tempting and it is best to keep them out of your house. If family members bring this stuff into the house try to get them on board with you to keep these tempting foods out. If they must have these foods in the house, get them to keep it out of sight or in a locked cabinet. It can really be that simple!

    #2: Keep only healthy foods in plain view.

    It is important that you keep your kitchen organized and only make healthy choices visibly available. You should always have plenty of fruits and vegetables around that are ready to eat in case you get hungry. By keeping your kitchen tidy and putting away tempting snacks, you will be less likely to grab something that is processed, full of empty calories, or quick. Which you will definitely regret later!

    #3: Know your weaknesses and triggers.

    What foods will make it difficult for you to stop eating once you already started? For me, I always keep cookies, ice cream, and chips out of my house because I can’t eat just a few. Likewise, make a list of all the foods that you can’t stop eating once you start. It is critical that you know what these foods are and try your best to stay away from them as much as possible. Find a healthy substitute for your triggers.

    #4: Reduce the amount of food choices.

    Sometimes having too much food in the house will get you to overeat. Try to keep your food choices as simple as possible and avoid a stuffed fridge or cupboards that overflow with different foods. Also, to avoid eating more than a serving, limit the meals your family prepares to one serving per person. Once you have your environment under control, you will be amazed how easy it is for you to eat healthier.

    #5: Change the people you hangout with.

    For better or worse, we become more like our friends and the people we hang around. Since your friends have a big impact on your habits, why not pick people who will have a positive influence? The best way to build a healthy lifestyle and improve yourself is to make friends with positive-minded people you admire and can learn from. Likewise, have the mindset that they can also learn from you.

    #6: Read books on nutrition and fitness.

    Reading allows you to shape your identity and increase your knowledge base. Surround yourself with books that will help you to make positive changes in your life. Learning about other people’s weight loss stories and struggles will help you to avoid those challenges yourself. There is also a lot you can learn from mentors by reading books and growing from their knowledge about food and nutrition.

    Teaching Kids Healthy Habits is Key

    If you want to help your child develop good habits that are associated with a longer and healthier life you have to start at a very early age. Being fit is all about learning balance and consistency while having the right guidance and support to be successful. At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give kids and teens (ages 8-18) the tools to transform their lives and build healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

    By combining nutrition, group support, and exercise classes, we provide a complete solution that empowers kids and teens to achieve their fitness goals. We are driven by a strong belief that all children deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential. Let us help your teen become an amazing version of themselves and schedule your free class today. Thank you for visiting us!

    get my free day pass

  3. Help Kids Achieve Healthy Habits

    By Kalina Martinez on February 8, 2020

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    To build lifelong healthy habits it is important to start early! The reality is that once you are an adult it is very difficult to change your habits. If you don’t believe me, look at the numbers. Even though there are over 37,000 fitness centers in the US, the overweight and obesity rates have skyrocketed to 70%.

    Instead of helping adults to change their habits, we need to train our kids as EARLY as possible! Our Lean Teen Program specializes in helping teens (ages 8-18) to build healthy habits and achieve their goals. And even though we have over 90% teen weight loss success rates, losing weight is not easy.

    After doing many nutrition plans, there are several weight loss myths that often hold teens back from achieving success. The following are the most common weight loss myths and tips to overcome them:

    Myth #1: You can Skip the Vegetables

    To have a balanced nutrition plan, it is essential that kids learn to eat more vegetables during meal times and fill half of their plate with plenty of veggies and fruits. Making a veggie smoothie is a good alternative for teens that do not like their texture. However, completely skipping vegetables is out of the question since they are high in nutrients and low in calories. Click Here for tasty smoothie recipes!

    Myth #2: Working Out is Always Fun

    When it comes down to exercising it is all about training kids and teens to be consistent. According to Scarlette Johansson, she got in shape for the role of the Black Widow doing “boring 5am workouts.” It wasn’t about the coolest workout fad or latest gadgets, it was about working out even when she did not want to. Likewise, Sammy (pictured above) earned her shirt for always giving it her best effort!

    Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Lift Weights

    Lifting weights is essential to building lean muscle and having a fast metabolism! That is why it is important that teens get used to doing strength training at an early age. To stay fit Sammy comes several times per week to our Lean Teen classes that include both weight training and cardio. Our coaches always make sure that she works out to her potential by checking her intensity and form.

    Myth #4: You Just Need to Exercise More

    Even though exercise can be beneficial, when it comes to losing weight, nutrition makes up 80% of the equation. The fact is you cannot out-exercise bad eating habits! That is why it is essential that all teens learn how to eat balanced meals, control their portions, and make healthier food choices. Sammy earned her shirt by making big changes to her eating habits and is now at a healthy weight.

    Myth #5: Diet Soda, Juices, and Weight Loss

    When it comes to building lifelong healthy habits, drinking 8 glasses of water is a must. That is why it is important that kids do not replace water with juices or diet sodas. Water helps us stay hydrated and increases our metabolic rate which is important for weight loss and staying fit. On the other hand, juices and diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that have empty calories and are devoid of nutrients.

    Your whole family can build healthy eating and exercise habits together. To help your kids get off to an early start and achieve their goals, we also recommend that you focus on these 5 important tips:

    Tip #1: Set Early Bedtimes

    It is important that kids and teens get a healthy amount of sleep each night to stay focused. They also need more sleep than adults because they are in a time of fast physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. To help your teen stay alert, experts agree that they get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

    Tip #2: Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

    Most experts agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. It is also a great opportunity to get a healthy dose of essential nutrients. To get your kids ready for breakfast, consider making their bedtimes earlier each night so they have enough time to enjoy it.

    Tip #3: Stock up on Fruits & Veggies

    Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and low in calories! A healthy snack will also help your teen stay energized and alert during the day. To ensure your family gets plenty of fruits and vegetables each day, we recommend you keep pre-washed produce always available to simply grab and eat.

    Tip #4: Try Not to Skip Any Meals

    Although skipping meals seems like a good way to lose weight, it actually slows down your metabolism and cause you to eat more throughout the day. Studies show that kids who skip meals are more likely to be overweight than those who make eating a balanced meal a priority. During meal times make sure to include one food from each food group - Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, and Protein.

    Tip #5: Exercise at Least Twice a Week

    It is important that your teen exercises regularly not only to stay fit but also to perform better in school. According to experts “exercise boosts academic performance in various ways: allowing kids to focus on their school work; boosting self-esteem and mood; and increasing blood flow to the brain.”

    Maintaining Balance and Consistency

    Being fit is all about learning balance and consistency while having the right guidance and support to be successful. At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give teens (ages 8-18) the tools to transform their lives and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. By combining nutrition, group support, and exercise classes, we provide a complete solution that empowers kids and teens to achieve their fitness goals.

    We are driven by a strong belief that all children deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential. It all starts with a personal consultation to better understand your child’s eating and exercise habits. Let us help your teen become an amazing version of themselves and schedule your free class today. We look forward to serving you and your family with excellence. Thank you for visiting us!

  4. Why Weight Loss Pills Don’t Work

    By Jorge Martinez on February 4, 2020

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    We live a world in which adults as wells as teens resort to extreme measures to lose weight including taking diet pills. Even though pills may sometimes result in weight loss, this is a short-term solution that is very dangerous for teens. Instead, it takes hard work to build healthy habits and lose weight.

    The key to achieving your weight loss goals is to focus on building healthy habits and making your meals balanced and nutritious. You also want to develop a regular exercise routine that includes both strength training and cardio. Here are 6 reasons why the risks of pills far outweigh any of its benefits:

    #1: You Will Lose Muscle Mass

    You will lose weight by dramatically cutting calories but it will also cause all kinds of health problems. When you take pills, your body goes into conservation mode and breaks down a mix of both fat and muscle to get the fuel it needs. Muscle is important since it helps your metabolism to burn calories.

    Your muscles require more calories than fat to be maintained so the more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn. As a result, losing muscle is never a good idea if you want to lose weight long-term. Instead, focus on doing strength training to increase muscle mass and achieve your fitness goals.

    #2: You Will Lose Mostly Water

    Most of the initial weight lost due to taking pills is primarily “water weight” and not fat. However, your body needs water to burn calories it intakes through eating. When you use pills you lose water and slow down your metabolism. This is the main reason why any lost weight usually comes back quickly.

    Instead, to lose weight focus on drinking at least 8 glasses of cold water a day. Studies have shown that drinking a glass of water before a meal increase your resting metabolism by up to 30%. This calorie-burning effect is even greater if you drink cold water since your body will use its energy to heat it up.

    #3: It Will Slow Your Metabolism

    Your metabolism converts what you eat and drink into energy. Even when you are at rest your body needs energy for all its functions including breathing, repairing cells, circulating blood, and adjusting hormone levels. The number of calories your body uses to carry out these basic functions is known as your basal metabolic rate or metabolism. When it comes to weight loss, this is your superpower!

    So to do anything that will slow down your metabolism is never a good idea. Unfortunately, when you eat less food than your body needs to function, your body goes into starvation mode. To save energy, your metabolism slows down and any energy that is not burned is stored as fat. This is why when you are done taking pills and you go back to your usual diet, you regain the weight you lost, and more.

    #4: Has Dangerous Side Effects

    There are many side effects to taking pills including dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and low blood sugar. It also causes vitamin and mineral deficiencies, diarrhea, and muscle breakdown. The longer you take pills the more severe the side effects are including anemia, kidney damage, and an irregular heartbeat.

    The reality is that short-term wins on fad diets and fasting almost always fade away. However, the long-term consequences are there to stay. Fasting not only damages the immune system but negatively affects many of the body’s organs and interferes with vital bodily function. It can even result in death.

    #5: Leads to Nutrient Deficiencies

    Your body needs vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from food to stay healthy. If you take pills, you will miss out on essential nutrients. This is because eating less calories will make it harder to meet your nutritional needs. Taking pills is especially dangerous for kids and teens since they are growing rapidly.

    A nutritional deficiency will occur when your body does not absorb or get from food the necessary amount of a nutrients it needs. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to a variety of health issues in kids and teens including digestion problems, skin disorders, and stunted or defective bone growth.

    #6: Can Cause an Eating Disorder

    While taking pills may lead to short-term weight loss, it can also be a downward spiral to eating disorders. Many studies show that this is one of the major precursors to developing an eating disorder. According to psychologist Louise Adams, “we know clinically that restriction leads to overeating.”

    Studies also show that teenagers who diet, skip meals, and otherwise reduce caloric intake are more likely to develop an eating disorder and to be overweight than their non-dieting peers. The most common eating disorders among adolescents are anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.

    Focus on Building Healthy Habits

    Most people that start a fad diet or begin fasting struggle to stick with it for a prolonged period. Fad diets don’t work simply because we need to be able to continue the changes we make for the rest of our lives. There are also many dangerous side effects to fasting that far outweigh any of its benefits.

    Experts agree that to successfully lose weight long-term you have to focus on building healthy eating and exercise habits as early as possible. Being fit is all about learning balance and consistency while having the right guidance and support to be successful. At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give kids and teens (ages 8-18) the tools to transform their lives and build healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

    By combining nutrition, group support, and exercise classes, we provide a complete solution that empowers kids and teens to achieve their fitness goals. We are driven by a strong belief that all children deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential. Let us help your teen become an amazing version of themselves and schedule your free class today. Thank you for visiting us!

    get my free day pass

  5. Is Your Teen at a Healthy Weight?

    By Kalina Martinez on January 30, 2020

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    Your child is more than a number, but their BMI is an important one! BMI stands for “Body Mass Index,” a measurement doctors often use to determine whether people are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Is BMI important for kids and teens? Yes! If your child’s BMI is too high or too low they could be at risk for a bunch of health problems. Please contact us today for a Free BMI Analysis!

    What to do if your child’s BMI is too high or too low?

    When people eat more calories than they burn off, their bodies store the extra calories as fat. If your child’s BMI indicates that they are overweight or obese for a teen, they could be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and several kinds of cancer. To avoid such problems, your child needs to change their eating habits and get more exercise.

    If your teen is underweight? It is important they find ways to gain weight and consider building up their muscles. To get a free BMI analysis click on the “Calculate BMI” button below and contact us.

    Is your child’s BMI all you need to know?

    Since your teen’s body mass index only factors in their height and their weight, it’s far from telling the whole story about their health. For starters, it does not measure their body fat, which is a much more accurate way to tell if your child is overweight or obese. Our consultants can measure your teen’s body fat percentage using a BMI analyzer and make recommendations about healthy eating and exercise.

    At Kalina’s Fitness, our mission is to give kids and teens (ages 8-18) the tools to transform their lives and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. By combining nutritional counseling, group support, and exercise classes, we provide a complete solution that empowers them to achieve their fitness goals. We are driven by a strong belief that every child deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential.

    1) Nutritional Counseling and Personalized Meetings

    It all starts with a one-on-one nutritional consultation to better understand your child’s eating habits. Your health coach will prepare a nutrition plan that gives your family the flexibility needed to make permanent lifestyle changes. We will also train you and your family on how to use MyPlate.

    MyPlate is an effective and simple way for children to learn how to control their portions with an easy to understand illustration that will teach them how to build a healthy plate. Finally, your coach will keep track of your child and offer expert advice to help your family make better food choices.

    2) Complete Support to Empower Teens (ages 8-18)

    All our group support classes are designed to help kids stay motivated and on track to reaching their fitness goals. And they will make new friends and get the encouragement they need to be successful. It is all about empowering kids with the tools to build their strength, confidence, and self-esteem.

    With the assistance of an expert counselor, our group support classes discuss positive thinking, body image, self-esteem, dealing with stress, goal setting, problem solving, nutrition, and much more. We also have separate boys and girls classes to allow open communication and avoid distractions.

    3) Unlimited Exercise Classes with a Certified Coach

    All our exercise classes are designed to help kids get in shape no matter what their current level of activity is. Our circuit training classes focus on helping to stimulate the muscles while also keeping the heart rate elevated. Studies show that this is the best way to get the most from a workout.

    Our Lean Teen classes are an hour long and include 30 minutes of exercise as well as 30 minutes of group support to help kids stay physically and mentally in shape. By combining recovery periods with short bursts of cardio, they burn more calories than exercising at the same pace in just half the time.

    Schedule Your Free Class – Find a Location Near You

    At Kalina’s Fitness, we believe that America is at a crossroads. Our kids are sacrificing their future for the immediate gratification of TV, video games, and fast food. By teaching children the value of exercise and proper nutrition, we can empower them with the strength, confidence, and self esteem they need to pursue their dreams. We can train them to build healthy habits and transform their lives!

    Our program is the only year-round, affordable fitness and weight loss program designed especially for kids and teens ages 8 to 18. To register online for your Free Day Pass please click on the button below. Our coaches and I pledge to do everything we can to help you and your family build healthy habits and get fit. We look forward to help your child become an amazing version of themselves.

    get my free day pass

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