The bright constellation

1. Start a good relationship with your parents. Good relationships improve trust. If your parents have a good reason to trust you, they will let you do more things with friends. Never lie to them. If you have lied in the past-stop and make a vow not to do it again. Tell them you want to work on having a trusting relationship with them and you will prove it to them.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Enjoy a good relationship with your friends. Because your parents will let you spend more time with your friends. You can improve your relationship with them and eventually make more friends, thus improving your social status.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Study hard at school. Putting 110% effort at school and getting high grades shows your peers you're hardworking and you are confident as a teen. At this age, most teens slack off and have lower self esteem. Showing your persistence gives you a better image and you will be well respected for that. You will feel good about yourself and start to like the feeling of achievement. Set goals and achieve them.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Find a job. This can be any job, at the super markets, gas stations, fast food places, restaurants, department stores, anywhere. Also make sure you would devote your time to be best in performance in your job.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Work hard at your job so you can get promotions. Earning money can give you a chance to do things with your friends, such as the movies, without borrowing money from your parents (if you borrow money without repaying, your parents will not trust you so much as before).
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Appeal to everyone. If someone you know is struggling in school, offer help and become friends with them. Reaching out to others shows you are a helpful person and enjoy helping.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Join clubs and sports. Doing extra curricular activities shows dedication and sportsmanship. Keep up with these activities and your schoolwork, however, or it may be too hard to handle.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Take honors or AP classes. These classes push your ability and force you to work harder, but benefit you a lot in the long run. However taking too many of these classes can be overwhelming. Only take what you know you can handle.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Be happy. Taking all the honors/advanced classes in the world won't matter if you become depressed from all the work. Take time for yourself and spend it on a hobby. Bring in a relationship is also a good way to cheer yourself up. It can be a best friend or a boy/girlfriend. Just make sure the relationship is balanced.
   
   
   

1. Know and take pride in your beliefs. Have all your opinions and beliefs secured and don't let anyone make you feel discouraged about your own decisions.
    
    
2. 2
   Have a goal set. Write down what your official goal is, make it as realistic as possible.
    
3. 3
   Break down your goal into reasonable steps. Working your way up is good way to have better mindset in what you are doing and to know it well.
    
4. 4
   Analyze the rules and setbacks of your situation. Determine which rules are worth abiding and which are not. Either plain breaking them or finding a loophole is acceptable.
    
5. 5
   Challenge rules that you think are unreasonable. Don't be afraid to call out an adult on an unreasonable. The best way to get to an ignorant adult is to do this blankly and properly. Do not show any emotion or attitude to reach to their level.
    
6. 6
   If you are looking for friends who will support you and your goal, surround yourself with more mature, rational friends. Someone who sees through the rules of adults or just plain challenges them.
    
7. 7
   Never, ever, EVER say thank you to someone who says you are "mature for your age". Most dumb adults have a complete understatement on children. Do not reply or blankly correct them on their ignorant statement

1. Talk about your problem with your parents. Many parents are overprotective simply because they love you. They see potential danger in many mundane situtaions. For example: They tell you what to do and how to do it, and should you ask to go somewhere alone with a friend, they may decide to not let you go, or to let you go only seldom. Some parents treat you like a kid because you are. But sometimes, your parent(s) are over-reacting and over-reaching. Tell your parent how you feel. Listen to their responses. They may have some wisdom that you lack, simply due to their being older. But, sometimes, they are simply acting out their fears, and you are caught in the crosshairs.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Recognize your own personhood. You're a person, just like everyone else, and you deserve your own identity, especially if you're over 18 and have a job and paying your own way in the world. If you find yourself always adopting your mom's or dad's likes or dislikes, consider why you do so.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • How to Think for Yourself
      
   • How to Stop Being a People Pleaser
      
   • How to Be Confident
      
    
3. 3
   Identify your fear factor. Are you afraid that your mom and/or dad won't love you any more if, for example, you don't like nachos, while they do? Do you refrain from voicing questions about authority figures like politicians for fear of getting a long, boring lecture? Are you a little bit scared of your mom or dad? Do you find yourself going to one for guidance, but never the other; relieved when the other is not home? If one parent instills more fear than anything else, you may have a controlling parent.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • How to Overcome Your Fears Through Visualization
      
   • How to Overcome Bad Mental Hygiene
     
     
      
    
4. 4
   Ask yourself if your parent is a perfectionist. Often a controlling parent is an extreme perfectionist, driving you always to "be the best you can" and getting angry or upset over grades that are less than perfect, no matter how hard you work for them, or finding fault with tasks you take on around the home. There's nothing wrong with insisting on excellence, or doing a job right, but it may seem like no matter how hard you work on it, it's never perfect. In other words, do you ever just receive praise from that parent, or is it always justified with a "but," or "except…"? Example: "That is a beautiful little model you made. If not for that one little mess-up with the paint right there, it would be perfect."
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Identify when so-called games are really control exercises. Some parents, believe it or not, become quite competitive with their children. In other words, a man will see his sons growing up, and suddenly realize that his son is becoming the young bull that he once was himself. To maintain his "alpha dog" status, he may engage the son(s) in bizarre "feats of strength."
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Example: The father points a finger and exclaims, "I have all the power I need in this one finger!" Then he will proceed to tickle one of them rather more forcefully than is pleasant. No amount of the boy politely asking him to stop will work – the father will continue to force the boy to submit to this "game" as long as any onlookers appear amused, or until he tires of it. The boy doesn't dare to actually tell his father to knock it off – this would result in punishment. After tormenting his son in this way (sometimes to the point of tears), the father will often say, "Come here, son," and hug and kissthe boy, perhaps apologizing, but definitely talking to him in a kind, fatherly way, and assuring the boy that he was "just playing with him." The truth is, by giving the boy a little bit of what he craves (kind attention, love, and approval), he keeps the kid hooked into the idea that he really means no harm. But the message is clear: No matter what, I can control you – with just one finger. Or, more than likely, wants to maintain the father-son relationship (with him in the superior, authority position) rather than allowing growth into a normal, healthy, man-to-man relationship as the child ages.
      
    
6. 6
   Know if your parent is a "collector." Lots of controlling people tend to hoard things. Books, comics, furniture, toys from childhood… one of the recognizable traits of a controlling individual is that s/he has a hard time letting go of things, even if it's just a box from a childhood toy. This doesn't mean that if your Mom collects Precious Moments statues, she's automatically controlling. But if there's a real hoarding tendency – it's a red flag to look for . One of the ways your parent controls his or her world is by keeping practically everything s/he's ever owned.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Don't touch his or her things. If your parent gets upset when you straighten her desk, put her clothes away, pick up a stack of magazines he was reading, or put his tools in the garage to make room for the family to eat dinner at the table, there's a good chance you're dealing with an overly controlling parent. This parent always wants to be the one to move his or her things, and nobody else. Again, we're talking extremes here, not just aggravation over a careless rearranging of his/her belongings. Be honest – do you put the tools back where they came from, or just shove them to the side? If you treat your parents' belongings like you want them to treat your things, normally, your parents will notice your maturity and appreciate your willingness to participate in household tasks.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • How to Use and Improve Your Abilities
      
    
8. 8
   Think about whether there are other signs of controlling behavior. A controlling person rarely just attempts to control one person. Do others in the family or among your parents' friends get this treatment, too? It will be more subtle from adult to adult. But it can take many forms, such as always showing up late (s/he controls when the party starts, because it doesn't really start till s/he gets there), or overturning the original plans in favor of something s/he wants to do instead. Also, "one-upping" is a usual trait of a controlling person: Someone tells a story, and then your parent will chime in with , "Oh that's nothing.When I had that job, I was blah blah blah…" Nobody has ever done as good a job, as hard a job, climbed as high, worked as hard, got paid as much.
   
   This behavior can also be a sign of personal insecurity. Notice how your parents act and react in social settings. If there are self-esteem issues at play, often the adult will try to play up their achievements to gain the approval of their peers. To cope with this behavior, simply recognize it and either excuse yourself from the discussion, or make neutral statements. Agreeing with their boasting claims only encourages them to continue to seek validation from others.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • How to Recognize a Manipulative or Controlling Relationship
      
    
9. 9
   Consider whether status is important to him or her. A controlling person is often a little insecure. Does s/he tell people how much money s/he makes – even in subtle ways? "Yep, this cost a pretty penny, but I make a LOT of money and I can afford it." Many times, reminding people of how much money they make is a way of establishing control, or at least allowing the parent to feel s/he has a superior position in whatever situation s/he is in. Again, coping is all about simply not engaging or arguing with these statements.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
10. 10
    Watch for attempts to isolate you, or to trivialize the influence of other loved ones. Control is easier to establish and maintain if you have few people around besides your controlling parent(s). If your parent keeps you away from grandparents, aunts and uncles, or friends, it's a warning sign. Or, if your parent encourages relationships with others, but then says bad things about those people after they're gone, that's a clue, too. Saying things like, "Your uncle is a nice guy, but for a guy so smart about trout fishing, he has no ambitions above where he is right now. His house is tiny, and he'll probably never be able to do any better than that," tells you that your parent does not respect your uncle at all – in fact, this kind of remark is intended to influence your opinion and respect for your uncle. Perhaps your uncle is a nice and good person with low ambitions – he may be content with little, and therefore shuns promotions – he would rather have less money but more time to go fishing, which costs next to nothing. There's nothing wrong with this philosophy – it is a simple life choice. Your parent will have made a different one, perhaps his/her life choice is to be driven and rise higher and higher up the corporate ladder while your not-so-ambitious uncle prefers his simpler, less complicated life and doesn't mind that it also means he makes less money. The choice is value neutral – it is simply a matter of preference in the big picture, but your parent doesn't respect anyone who doesn't constantly strive, clawing his/her way up – again, a different philosophy and nothing wrong with it. But - your parent really doesn't want you taking your uncle's example, and what s/he is really saying is, "Listen to me, kid, because even though your uncle is nice, he's a loser, and you don't want to end up like him." The parent then makes sure you realize that it's his or her own advice you should always take, and never anyone else's, utterly rejecting a different life philosophy, and in the process, attempting to persuade you to reject not only the philosophy, but the person.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
    • How to Avoid a Mental Block
       
     
11. 11
    Recognize whether your parent takes your successes and/or failures personally. A controlling person is a perfectionist, most of the time. A lot of times, parents – even non-controlling ones – live vicariously (which means, they experience it through others) through their children. They see you as their big chance to right wrongs they did, to help you avoid mistakes they made. When you mess up by not unexpectedly (even though you actually did study or work at it) bringing home a C instead of an A, you are berated for it, maybe even grounded, and studying is suddenly even more important than before. In your mind, working hard only to receive a C means that was not your best subject. In your parent's mind, nothing less than perfection is acceptable. You feel like the parent is riding you harder than ever before, and the reason is that the parent identifies so strongly with you, that s/he takes your shortcoming as his or her own personal failure. By the same token, if you're the starting quarterback on your school's football team, and you score the game-winning touchdown, your parent may clap you on the back and then start taking credit: "That new training regimen we worked out has done wonders – see, didn't I tell you that if you did everything I told you to, it would pay off big time?"
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
12. 12
    Be aware of attempting to please, or setting a goal of gaining their approval. Controlling parents are still parents. You love them, they love you. The actual goal of the parent is to help you, although it may seem toxic to you. The danger of being indoctrinated by controlling behaviors from an early age, however, is that no matter how clear it is to you that your parent is being toxic to you, that parent has "trained" you to attempt to gain approval. You may be willing to sacrifice your own dreams in order to achieve this. For example, you may realize that you are interested in art. Your parent scorns artists because, in his or her view, artists don't make enough money. Your parent has "done all the research," and decided that electronics engineering or civil planning or business administration is the proper path for you to take so that you can earn a good living and support yourself (and your family, if necessary). You really have zero interest in any of them, but you volunteer willingly because your parent heartily approves of this path for you. At the very best, you will always regret not having at least given your own dreams a chance. At the very worst, you will live a life of misery, grinding out day after dull, endless day in a job you hate – and you'll continue to do that long after your parent has passed away. Live your own life. Make your own decisions. A controlling parent can only control you until you are of the age of majority. After that, it's your responsibility to live your own life, on your own terms. No amount of approval from a controlling parent is ever going to replace your day to day contentment with your life, if you allowed your fear or desire for approval to take away the dreams you had for it. They can force you to pretend to be something you're not, but they can't change who you actually are.
     
13. 13
    Don't fight them on every little thing, and when you do fight, be respectful. There's very little that sets off a bout of controlling behavior as quickly as defiance. Learn to go with the flow, and just let your parent vent his or her "stuff." Be polite and compassionate, and remember – just like most of what goes on with this parent, it's much more about your parent than it is about you. This doesn't mean you have to capitulate every time. Don't raise your voice, and be firm. If you appear to waffle or be unsure, they will take that as invitation for them to control your life. Pick your battles carefully, and choose to defend the really important things, while letting little things go.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
    • How to Be Laid Back
       
     
14. 14
    Learn to work with your parent. Most controlling parents are simply afraid that you will fail without their intervention. Because they are somewhat insecure, controlling parents feel it is necessary to involve themselves in every aspect of your life – some schools call them "helicopter parents" because they hover so low over their nearly grown up children. If you can discover what seems to mollify your parents, you will set them off less often, and make your own life much easier. For example, if you know that a note from your teacher telling them you haven't turned in your last three homework assignments will result in you being grounded for two weeks or more, make sure you turn the homework in. It's pretty simple really: do what your parents want you to do, as far as it is good for you, and they will be less intrusive in your life. If their controlling extends to trying to make important life choices for you (choice of college, major, job, marriage, kids, etc.) then that's too far. Don't let them make important decisions for you, and do what's right for yourself above what they want. Once you are an adult, it's your life, not theirs. That being said, if they have objections with actual reasons that seem sound, consider them carefully and talk with others who have been in similar situations before. Get input from people you trust, who aren't your parents.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
    • Working with the parent instead of against is very important – a lot of times, this parent is looking to you for validation as much as s/he wants you to look to him or her for that same validation. If, occasionally, you can suck up all of your resentment and go to your parent for guidance, no matter how trivial, you may see the evidence of this. Your parent is very likely just waiting for the moment when you realize the value of his or her input and voluntarily ask for it, rather than him or her just inserting it into every situation. By doing this, you allow the parent to relax somewhat because they will feel more like you are actually listening to them, rather than them just hammering at you constantly while you stick your fingers in your ears and go "La la la I can't hear you." And who knows – your parent might actually give you some very exceptional guidance. The reality with this sort of parent is that their message is usually right, where the rubber meets the road. It's the delivery method of the message that sucks. Sometimes, the parent is actually unable to see why that matters.
       
    • How to Deal With Impossible People
       
    • How to Pay Attention When You Are Confused
       
     
15. 15
    Establish your independence as early as possible. You may have to "play along" until you go to college. But if you are very smart (and most children of controlling people are – because controlling people are usually really smart, too), you will study hard in school and give yourself lots of options for college. Even if you go to school locally, it's suggested that you try to live on-campus in the dorms, or anyplace other than your parents' home. Get a job and help with your own living expenses (this is where that great GPA you had to earn comes in really handy – if you can get some scholarships to pay for tuition, you just need to come up with living money). The sooner you get out from under the shadow of a controlling parent, the sooner the parent will have no choice but to recognize your Declaration of Independence, and ratchet back the controlling behaviors. Once you get a job and are financially independent, you no longer have to go along with their control over your life. Don't burn any bridges unnecessarily, though. Just be firm and don't leave things open for negotiation. If they won't take no for an answer, just politely decline without offering any reasons. "I'm afraid that won't be possible." If they keep on pushing you, and won't let you change the topic, then just leave and wait a while before seeing them or talking to them again.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
16. 16
    Learn how to avoid being controlled through anger. Some parents control their family and/or individual members with their anger. They really lose their temper, lose all self-control, and the result is no discussion. People are afraid to voice an opinion contrary to the angry parent because they fear what will happen ("Just do it – we don't want him getting angry again."). This is how anger is used to control you. If you can talk to this parent, ask for the 3 minute rule approach. This is how this is done:
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
    • Each side gets 3 minutes to state its case, during which the other side will listen. At the end of this 3 minute exchange, the argument will stop for an agreed time (an hour, a day, etc.) to give both parties time to reflect on the argument of the other side.
       
    • Then if necessary, have another go at the 3 minute each discussion. Using this approach allows everyone to be heard and also provides for some "cooling off" time, which can help manage conflict.
       
     
17. 17
    Remember that, ultimately, your mind is yours alone. It can only be controlled if you allow it to be. Controlling behaviors are, in the final analysis, the controller's attempt to meet his or her own needs. When you do something, even if you feel you are forced, see if you can find a reason to want to do it. If the controlling parent demands good grades, don't do poorly out of spite. This only gives the controller further evidence that you need him or her. Find the ways good grades benefit your own goals. You're the strong one when you find ways to meet their needs and yours, without allowing them to get into your mind.
    
    
    

1. 1
   Engage in dialogue. Conversation is key in any sort of power balancing situation. Be clear about what you want and what the other person wants. Stick to facts and avoid insinuating or stating that the other person is wrong or that they're causing a problem. Always focus on the matter, desired behavior or outcome, and not on the personal traits of another.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Try to talk face to face and not through text messages, emails, or phone conversations. Facial and body language are an important source of clarification and humanizes the interaction, while technology tends to distance us. It is far easier to forget how we can harm others with a barb or insult through the interface of the computer, whereas seeing someone's reaction in front of us clarifies this instantly.
      
   • Avoid getting defensive or speaking in negative tones. As soon as you sound whining, victimized or angry, the emotions start to get the better of the conversation.
      
   • Be sure to listen carefully and to get clarification when necessary. Don't be scared to ask questions, they're a great way to get more insight into the other person and their thoughts. It's also fine to ask for clarification of things that you don't understand, even if it's about the other person's emotions.
      
    
2. 2
   Bear in mind that both of you might have a valid perspective of a conflict regardless of the power balance. This can be confronting for both of you but it is also empowering, as potentially you have a range of solutions available provided you can accept that both sides are valid perspectives. It would be unusual if there were only one right way to achieve most things.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Define the conflict as a mutual matter. From the outset, the person holding the position of more power may be inclined to state the problem as being one caused by the person with less power. This needs to be challenged immediately by defining the problem as a mutual issue, so that there is no attempt to seek one person giving in totally. Here are some ways to get mutual buy-in to the conflict:
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • "We have a problem we both need to resolve."
      
   • "We seem to have a difference of opinion as to how to go about resolving this matter. We need to find a shared solution."
      
   • "We need to negotiate over this."
      
    
4. 4
   Practice restraint. If you are the person holding the high power position, you can limit your own power rather than using it to gain an upper hand. Refrain from continued destructive patterns, either of speech or action. Be aware of your own behavior and regulate yourself. Look for opportunities to express concern for reaching a state of equality.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Be aware of the need to pace. This is especially important when an extrovert and an introvert are in a conflict situation. The extrovert will often want a problem solved nowand will focus on discussing the problem now until it's solved. An introvert will be more inclined to avoid confrontation and feel cornered, shutting down if the extrovert won't allow time for reflection and postponement of the discussion. In this case, an extrovert may sense a position of power and it is important to recognize the need of the introvert to take time out and think through things first. Of course, the introvert can then assume the position of power if they never come back to the problem, in which case, the extrovert needs to set a time limit to come back to resolution without nagging in the interim.
      
   • Understand that there is a difference also between people who "think" (analyzing, clarifying and strategizing solutions) and people who "feel" (emotional perspective and focus on feelings). Thinkers will tend to focus on confrontation, while feelers will seek harmony and avoidance of conflict. In this case, balance needs to be found from both sides, so that the feeler stops fearing confrontation all the time, while the thinker stops seeing every situation as needing confrontation.
      
    
5. 5
   Focus on interdependence. If you find yourself in the low power position, emphasize the interdependence that you and the other person have between each other. High power individuals will likely avoid this and minimize any recognition of interdependence. Point out emotional, behavioral, economic, or other dependence on each other. This is especially important in close or intimate relationships. Focus should not be put on the amount of power or influence that each person has over the other, but on achieving the balance between them and drawing each other into mutual understanding.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Rely on calm persistence. Significant change in power relations rarely comes from radical or aggressive confrontation. Careful and thoughtful understanding and planning will likely lead to small but important changes. Avoid rising to bait or getting wound up; instead, focus on coming back to the point that you specifically stated in step one, the want that you're absolutely clear about. Also refer to the want that you understand the other person as having; reminding them that you haven't lost sight of their want is empowering for both of you.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Stay actively engaged. Never accept or give in to defeatist attitudes; this is tantamount to effacing yourself and letting the other person use power to belittle you. Remember that no power position is a permanent condition. Be sure to speak your mind but also stick to providing "big picture" and balanced ideas. Stay connected to your values and the outcome that you perceive as worthy throughout times of intensity or difficulty in your dialog with the other person.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • A conflict should only be avoided or ignored where it is trivial or not important. Otherwise, it needs to be dealt with, whatever your power relationship. An ignored little conflict can soon grow into an enormous one. Don't confuse temporary withdrawal from conflict with being defeatist though––time for reflection and cooling down is always valuable. Just be sure to come back to the matter for final resolution.
      
    
8. 8
   Seek third party intervention. Sometimes there is a need for outside help, where it is clear that both of you are simply going around in circles, being stubborn or cannot reach a conclusion that is fairly balanced. It may also be necessary if the conflict has become intolerable or is damaging you. It is a sign of strength from both of you call in an arbitrator in such a situation. This could be achieved though mediators or counselors. Never be scared to ask for outside help; it may be just what you need and it is never a poor reflection on your own worth.
   
   
   

1. 1
   Weigh yourself.(Example: if you weigh 150, and you want to lose 30 pounds, 120p,) Write down how many pounds you want to lose. An average person in middle, high school loses 2 pounds per week at maximum. (Don't push, or aggravate yourself,as this will take time and effort to achieve.) Figure out how long you have to lose the pounds, and set a REACHABLE goal. (You can use an app on your iPhone/iPod Touch; "MyNetDiary" is recommended) Try to weigh yourself once or twice a week, but not obsessively. You will aggravate yourself too much and give up.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Set up a plan. Once you figure out what you need to lose, the second step is to figure out how to lose it. Create a exercise schedule for every other day to start out with. You should ALWAYS do at least 20 minutes of ANY exercise a day, but at first you need to make sure to take it every OTHER day. (Ex: Mon: 30 min. Cardio, 10 min. Stretching/Yoga, 20 min, Strength/Toning Exercises., Tues: 20 min. LIGHT Cardio/Yoga). Always Hydrate with water and take 5-10 minute breaks in between each routine.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Drink water. Water, Water, Water. ALWAYS drink at least 6-7 glasses of water a day. This will flush out your body, and keep your skin crystal clear. Try to ditch soda for at least 1 month, for a mini challenge.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Check your schedule. Whether it's your school, work, or Social schedule you need to always make time to exercise. If you have more time in the morning, do 50-100 crunches, or 30 min. Run outside with your music but not loud so that you can't hear everything around. If you have more time at night do 50-100 crunches, or 30 min. Run outside with your music! When you come back from a Run or finish your crunches make sure to drink a glass or bottle of ice cold water, and to wash your face to keep it clear. These morning/afternoon activities go ALONG with your regular exercise routine.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Change the diet. DITCH THE JUNK. No processed Foods. Instead of chips when you come home, have an afternoon banana. You should eat something every 3 hours to keep your metabolism going.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Eat… Your… Breakfast. If you think that skipping meals will make you fit in those skinny jeans, think again. Your body will go into starvation mode, and WILL CLING TO ALL YOUR FAT. Breakfast in the morning keeps your metabolism going throughout the day, and gives you energy for school, work, and better food AND exercise choices.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Have a healthy lunch. Lunch is kind of like a big snack. This is usually the most unhealthy meal of the day. A perfect lunch would be: Rolled up Turkey, 10 Wheat Thins, Some fruit, (NO GRANOLA BARS!! They hold onto fat), yogurt, and OF COURSE water! Or if you need something sweet go for whole cranberry juice. Don't go with cranberry juice COCKTAIL because they add sugar.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Choose one energy-boosting, fulfilling, satisfying and tasty thing. For me its an apple with one spoonful of peanut butter (natural, less fat) FOR THE WHOLE APPLE. Yummy! You can choose a fruit, vegetable, No processed foods (Bags, Plastic, Boxes are not welcome here.) Eat Slowly and focus on taste! After all, you are supposed to ENJOY delicious food!
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Eat less dinner. Dinner. This is usually the biggest meal. Try to use smaller plates to make your food look bigger. Eat Slowly and use this method: Every bite, try to chew for 5 seconds, then swallow, wait 3 seconds and drink a sip of water. Confusing? It's not. Just 53D 5 seconds, 3 seconds, Drink. Don't over think it. You don't HAVE to use this method. Try to eat Protein at every meal. Chicken, Steak, and Beef should be about the size of a deck of cards. Always eat greens! If you are having pasta (which isn't the BEST choice, but whatever.) It should be about the size of your fist. Use 53D and you'll be full! Always eat veggies and protein WITH EVERY meal. And of course WATER!
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
10. 10
    Have a healthy dessert. On those special occasions when you feel you want to cheat a little, go for the healthier options. Like, Strawberries. Or Bananas dipped in chocolate. (Not TOO much!) Or one or two spoonfuls of whipped cream for those really big cheat moments.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
11. 11
    Eat more, smaller meals. 5-meals, instead of 3? That's right. It's better to have 5 small meals rather than 3 big meals. Have Breakfast, Morning Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack, and Dinner. All small of course. Eat Slowly. 53D, and Enjoy!
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
12. 12
    Pay Attention! Read labels, it's important to know what's going in your body. You don't have to be obsessed, but do pay attention. Make sure your consuming your individual calories for the day, and not going over board. Sugar is your #1 ENEMY! Stay away from it as long as you can. Sugar= Fat. Too much Bread = Sugar, which = Fat.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
13. 13
    Go to sleep! Try to go to bed on a routine every day, even on weekends. To keep your body energized and ready to make good choices all day. Also to keep your skin glowing and healthy!
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
14. 14
    Don't eat in front of the TV! Eating while you're distracted is one of the biggest reasons teens are overweight. If you are hungry, get a morning snack, or afternoon snack and portion-control it. Put however many you SHOULD eat in one bowl, and eat that. NO REFILLS!
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
15. 15
    Portion Control it. Portion Control EVERYTHING, from now on. B.M.L.A.D (Breakfast, Morning Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack, Dinner.) everything. You'd be surprised what REALLY makes you full. Pay attention to the labels, and eat the appropriate serving amount.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
16. 16
    Smile! Stand up straight and embrace your healthy body! This will not be instant, and you may slip-up from time to time. THAT'S NORMAL. Just always go back to it and fight, and try our hardest, pretty soon every food choice will have your brain thinking "What is the HEALTHIEST way to eat?" or "Should I really eat this?", "Am I really hungry?". After a couple of months you will look and feel awesome! Good Luck!!
    
    
    

1. 1
   Do not eat when you are not hungry! Boredom and depression can lead a person to eating things that will lead to weight gain. If you are bored, try reading a book, playing a sport, or talking to friends. Try to avoid your kitchen if you are home all day. Make sure there is no food in sight or you will get cravings. Study, if possible.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   If you get the need to crunch or chew food when you are not hungry, eat something low in calories such as fruit or gum. Ask someone like a parent to stop you from over-eating.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Drink at least 4 to 8 glasses of water a day, depending on how active you are, and how hot it is at your location. It curbs hunger, makes you feel better and makes your skin glow!
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Check food labels. Eat foods that are low in calories and carbohydrates. Although carbohydrates can help you think better and they fuel the nervous system and power fatmetabolism. Avoid saturated and trans fat (which leads to weight gain). Eat foods that have vitamins and minerals in them. Protein, fiber, and iron are all good for you. If you can't read an ingredient or if you've never heard of it, most likely it is not good for you. Do not go under 1200 calories a day for an extended period.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Know how to respond to binges. If you have a pig-out and want to burn off the calories you just consumed, go for a brisk walk or any other physical activity. Also, eat a nutritious meal after a pig-out. Alternatively, if you are tempted to binge, try eating something nutritious beforehand. By the time you finish this initial food, you may change your mind.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Always eat a good, hearty breakfast! Do not think that skipping breakfast will make you lose weight! In fact, eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, which leads to more weight loss. Breakfast will also help you to concentrate and eat less throughout the day.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Eat your dinner earlier (in between 4:30 and 6:30) so that you can burn off some of the calories you consumed.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Fill up half your plate with veggies.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Limit your intake on sweets. Too much isn't good for you but a little once in a while is okay.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
10. 10
    Avoid fast food and junk food (French fries, pizza, etc.) It's only okay once in a while, but if you keep buying junk food, learn to overcome it
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
11. 11
    Eat only until you are satisfied. Do not over stuff yourself. If you are given a ton of food on your plate, don't feel obligated to eat it all.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
12. 12
    Try to avoid stress or learn to deal with it. Stress will cause pig-outs.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
13. 13
    Try to replace things you usually eat with something healthier. If you're reaching for a handful of chips, force yourself to stop, and go grab an apple instead. (Note: this can be easier said than done.)
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
14. 14
    Avoid large quantities of sugar. Avoid eating chocolate and crisps first thing in the morning. This can make you lose your concentration and you won't be able to concentrate at school. And you may get headaches.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
15. 15
    Every time you go to put something in your body, ask yourself: "Is this going to improve my health, or harm it?" If the answer is the second one, you know what to do.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
16. 16
    You should also ask yourself WHY you are eating something before you eat it. If the answer isn't "It's time for lunch/dinner/breakfast and I'm hungry," PUT IT BACK.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
17. 17
    If you have a very sugary diet, you may get a Sugar Withdrawal Headache. These are tough to deal with and hurt a lot, so if you can't just ignore it, keep a single Hershey bar (or other candy bar) in your locker a week. Eat a single square when you get a headache and it'll help. Make sure it doesn't melt, or you'll end up tricking yourself into eating more than one "square" (melted lump). Remember to change it out about once a week, or it'll get moldy and make you sick. Even if there's some left.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
18. 18
    Try to eat salads and ask your parents to make them. Or, make them yourself by whipping together some ingredients. Salads are healthy and with the proper dressings and toppings of your choice, taste great. Toppings should be low-fat and examples are grated cheese, bacon, and diced eggs.
    
    
    

1. 1
   Don't write down everything you eat. While it is beneficial to some, it gets rather tedious, so stick with portion size and keep an estimate in your head as to how much you are consuming.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Take it one meal at a time. Instead of looking at a list of what you ate that day you should focus on that single meal. For example, consider breakfast. Let's say you want two toaster pastries. That's 200 calories each right there. So, if you want the pastry, eat it and have a piece of fruit. Save the other for later.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Use portion control. Eat enough food the size of your fist. It will keep you full, but not stuffed, and you won't be hungry in an hour.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Wear comfortable clothing. If your body shape is round, don't wear tight clothes. Petite or not, wear bigger clothes until you get into the body shape you want. That way you can really show those curves off.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Your metabolism is very important for dieting. Everyone's metabolism is different, and some are a lot faster than others. If yours is a little slower then you have to cut down on junk foods and work out a little longer every day.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Working out is important. Dieting can only go so far. No matter what shape you are in, work out frequently, 5-7 times a week.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Remember that the first few days are extremely difficult. You are going to want to cheat the first day but restrain yourself! You will feel much better in the end.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Dieting takes a lot of willpower, so make sure you reward yourself. Every once in a while, take a day off from working out. Watch your favorite television shows. Stay up 30 minutes later then usual.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Don't wear yourself out. After gaining so much muscle, you can actually lose it by over working out.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
10. 10
    If your first diet try doesn't succeed, try and try again. Remember that what you are doing is not easy!
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
11. 11
    Remember, food is food and nothing else. So if you're feeling down, don't use it to make you feel better. Food is a necessity, not a luxury. However, you also shouldn't punish yourself for something by not eating.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
12. 12
    Every day, compliment yourself. Say to yourself "I am healthy and beautiful and I love me and who I'm becoming."
    
    
    

1. 1
   Use a good toothbrush. Your toothbrush should have soft nylon bristles which are gentler on your gums, fit comfortably in your hand, and have a small enough head so that it reaches all your teeth easily.[3] 
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Replace your toothbrush regularly. The bristles will wear out over time, losing their flexibility and effectiveness. You should get a new one every 3 months, or as soon as the bristles start to splay out and lose their shape.
   • Research has found that thousands of microbes call toothbrush bristles and handles "home," and can cause infections.[4]
      
   • Always rinse your brush after using it, and store it upright and uncovered so that it can dry before your next use.[5]
      
    
3. 3
   Use a fluoride toothpaste. It not only helps remove plaque, it also helps strengthen tooth enamel.[6] However, it's important to note that fluoride toothpaste is not to be swallowed, as ingesting too much can have serious health consequences.[7]
    

Part Two: How To Brush

1. 1
   Wet your toothbrush. Squeeze only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. Applying too much toothpaste can cause over-sudsing, tempting you to spit and finish too early.[8]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • If brushing is painful, switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
      
    
2. 2
   Set your bristles at the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush with a short, vertical or circular motion. Don't brush across your teeth.[9]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Clean all your teeth. Brushing just a few teeth at a time, work your way around your mouth so that you get every tooth, spending about 12 to 15 seconds in each spot. If it helps, you can divide your mouth into quadrants: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. If you spend 30 seconds on each quadrant, you'll get a full two minutes of brushing time in.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Brush your molars. Position the toothbrush so that it's perpendicular to your lips, or so that the bristles are resting on top of your bottom molars. Work the toothbrush in an in-and-out motion, and move from the back of your mouth to the front. Repeat on the other side of your mouth. When the bottom teeth are clean, flip the toothbrush over and work on the top molars.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Brush the inner surfaces of your teeth. Tip the toothbrush so that the head of the toothbrush is pointing towards your gum line, and brush each tooth. Dentists report that the most commonly skipped area is the inside of the lower front teeth, so be sure not to forget those![10]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Gently brush your tongue. After you've cleaned your teeth, use the bristles of your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue. (Don't press too hard, or you'll damage the tissue.) This helps keep bad breath away.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Rinse out your mouth. If you choose to rinse after brushing, take a sip of water from a disposable cup, or cup your hands under the faucet. Swish it around your mouth, and spit it out.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Note that there is some debate on whether or not this is recommended. While some feel that it reduces the efficacy of the topical fluoride treatment, others wish to ensure that no fluoride is ingested. There are also those who just don't like having toothpaste in their mouths! If you're at a high risk of getting cavities, it may be beneficial not to rinse, or rinse with just a small amount of water—effectively creating a fluoride mouthwash.[11]
      
   • Other studies have shown that rinsing after brushing has no significant impact on the effectiveness of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.[12]
      
    
8. 8
   Rinse your toothbrush. Hold your toothbrush under running water for a few seconds, or (if you have a bowl or cup of water) wiggle it around under water for a bit.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Finish with a fluoride-based mouthwash. (Optional) Take a small sip of mouthwash, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Be careful not to swallow any.