I’m fourteen years old and I have been overweight as long as I can remember. I would like to change that but I’m not sure how to start. I’ve gotten a YMCA membership but my parents can’t drive me there all the time. I’m addicted to junk food and I eat my emotions. I want to be healthier and not be self conscious. I would really like your help and advice. Thank you so much. Courtney. [via Ask Questions]

“I am overweight and need to lose weight,” repeat that sentence five times. How did it feel? Has it increased your self-esteem? Has made you less conscious of your body? No, right? Well, therein lies your first challenge – that is, you need to stop thinking about losing weight and being overweight.

You do not need to lose weight. You do not need to diet, and you do not need to exercise at the gym. What do you need to do? First of all, you need to change your mindset, and find something positive in your situation. The fact that your weight is not where you want it to be is, in fact, a good thing. Why? Because it has taught you a priceless lesson – that is, you cannot eat junk food and be healthy. A lot of people could have told you that, but now you know this for a fact.

Second, as I have mentioned already, you do not need to lose weight, you do not need to exercise at the gym, you do not need to diet, and you are not overweight. Huh? Am I saying that denial will help you attain the body of your dreams? No, of course. I am saying, however, that thinking you need to do all those things is overwhelming and ultimately counterproductive.

To get a better understanding of what I am talking about, and to get you started on the right track, read the following: I’m fourteen years old and I have been overweight as long as I can remember. I would like to change that but I’m not sure how to start. I’ve gotten a YMCA membership but my parents can’t drive me there all the time. I’m addicted to junk food and I eat my emotions. I want to be healthier and not be self conscious. I would really like your help and advice. Thank you so much. Courtney. [via Ask Questions]

“I am overweight and need to lose weight,” repeat that sentence five times. How did it feel? Has it increased your self-esteem? Has made you less conscious of your body? No, right? Well, therein lies your first challenge – that is, you need to stop thinking about losing weight and being overweight.

You do not need to lose weight. You do not need to diet, and you do not need to exercise at the gym. What do you need to do? First of all, you need to change your mindset, and find something positive in your situation. The fact that your weight is not where you want it to be is, in fact, a good thing. Why? Because it has taught you a priceless lesson – that is, you cannot eat junk food and be healthy. A lot of people could have told you that, but now you know this for a fact.

Second, as I have mentioned already, you do not need to lose weight, you do not need to exercise at the gym, you do not need to diet, and you are not overweight. Huh? Am I saying that denial will help you attain the body of your dreams? No, of course. I am saying, however, that thinking you need to do all those things is overwhelming and ultimately counterproductive.

To get a better understanding of what I am talking about, and to get you started on the right track, read the following: You Can Lose 100 Pounds, How Can I Lose Weight? and this one.

In short, you simply need to change your eating habits. You do not need to diet – you just need to start eating real food. Instead of eating junk food, eat fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, sea food, meat, whole grains, greens, olive oil, etc. As for exercise, one of the best exercises is walking. You do not need to go to the gym for that. Start walking at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes a day.
, How Can I Lose Weight? and this one.

In short, you simply need to change your eating habits. You do not need to diet – you just need to start eating real food. Instead of eating junk food, eat fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, sea food, meat, whole grains, greens, olive oil, etc. As for exercise, one of the best exercises is walking. You do not need to go to the gym for that. Start walking at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes a day.