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Empowering Weight Loss Tips for Kids

June 6, 2011 by

Children’s obesity has doubled in the last two decades.  One in five children will become obese.
It’s no surprise that change is needed to combat this chronic disease.
Change leads to empowerment.  Empowerment leads to healthy, happy lives.

Tony Sparber recommends  a number of weight loss rules for children to live by:

  • Consume an adequate amount of food to provide all the required nutrients
  • Drink plenty of pure water (Minimum 6-8 glasses per day)
  • Target slow, steady weight loss: 1-2 pounds per week

These are some of the simplest steps we can take toward empowerment in the fight against childhood obesity.

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
– Lao Tzu

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Summer Yum: Berry Pop Snacks!

June 1, 2011 by

BERRY POPS

By Nicole Selinsky and New Image Weight Loss Camps

Makes 6 servings

Equipment Needed:

-Measuring cups and spoons

-Saucepan and blender

-Wooden spoon and hot pad, cookie sheet

-Paper cups, aluminum foil, popsicle sticks

Ingredients:

-1/3 cup berry juice blend

-1 envelope of unflavored gelatin

-1 ½ cups low-fat vanilla yogurt

-1 ¼ cups frozen unsweetened berries

Method:

1. Place the juice in a pan and sprinkle the gelatin over it, Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until gelatin crystals dissolve.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and place on a hot pad.
3. Mix the yogurt, berries, and warm gelatin mixture in a blender. Secure lid and blend until smooth.
4. Fill six-ounce cups with the blended mixture and cover each with a sheet of aluminum foil. Place the cups on a cookie sheet.
5. Insert the popsicle stick in each cup by making a slit in the foil.
6. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze until hard.
7. Peel away the paper and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

Serving size: 1 Popsicle

Calories: 71

Fat: 1 g

Protein: 3 g

*for children and teens ages 7-19

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Fifth grader won essay contest to attend Camp Pocono Trails

May 26, 2011 by

From The New York Daily News.com

A year ago, Manhattan fifth-grader Isis Joseph poured her pain and hopes into an essay that won her a free life changing opportunity at Camp Pocono Trails weight loss camp.

“There’s a lot of kids that need the camp and can’t afford it,” said Tony Sparber, owner of Camp Pocono Trails, which was the subject of the MTV show ‘Fat Camp.’ “Business has been very good to me and my family. We’re looking to give something back.”

For full press release see:  http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-05-26/entertainment/29602338_1_tony-sparber-average-camper-camp-pocono-trails

 

 

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Camp Pocono Trails 5th Annual Essay Contest

February 5, 2011 by

NORWOOD, N.J., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Children ages 10-17 who are eager to live a healthier lifestyle, lose weight, and build self-esteem while having fun are invited to participate in the Imagine Me! I’m Up for the Challenge: 5th Annual New Image Camp Essay Contest. Kids have the opportunity to win a 3-week campership at one of the only the ACA-accredited weight loss camps in the country: Camp Pocono Trails in Reeders, PA. The retail prize value of a campership that is 3 weeks and 3 days is $4,290. Entries are now being accepted for the summer of 2011.

Interested applicants will be required to submit an original essay of no more than 500 words, typed and double-spaced with the title, “Imagine Me! I’m Up for the Challenge at New Image Camp.” The contest will be judged by a panel of experts based on elements including compelling nature of the story, clarity, and creativity. Essay entries must be accompanied by a photograph. The application and rules can be found at http://www.newimagecamp.com/contest.html. Deadline for entry is June 1, 2011.

Camp Pocono Trails Press Release

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Camp Pocono Trails Help Children Gain Confidence

January 5, 2011 by

Kids weight loss camps such as Camp Pocono Trails continue to become more and more popular as the number of obese children in the United States continues to rise. And there’s no wondering why as recent studies show that nearly one third of the American children population are overweight, and have high risk of becoming obese.

Obesity or excessive weight poses plenty of problems for children. Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly evident in children, and mostly occurs in obese or overweight kids. If your child is overweight or obese, then he faces this danger, as well as other possible health risks as well. With that, more and more parents are slowly sending their children to weight loss summer camps in the hopes of helping their kids become healthier children.

Obese children have a higher risk of developing heart disease over children who are not overweight. A child’s life expectancy may also be lowered by as much as three to five years if he continues to remains overweight. Excess weight of the body causes strain on almost all the organs, and this can be detrimental to your child since his organs and organ systems are still developing. Overweight children may also suffer from liver disease, owing to the extra fat stored in the liver. He may also have an increased risk of brain pressure which causes headaches or vision problems. Gallstones, acid reflux and other complications of the digestive tract are also more likely to occur.

As a parent, you may find this very alarming. But, this is true and it happens to plenty of children all around the world. But, there are also other dangers caused by obesity that most of us tend to overlook. Over and on top of all these health issues, obesity can also take a toll on the self esteem and confidence of your child.

The world is a cruel place for obese and overweight children when they hear the media obsess on skinny and thin, students and other children in school bully, tease and ridicule them. Even in a school with plenty of overweight children, studies show that it is the obese children that usually get picked on the most. Any child who has to go through these very difficult and demeaning experiences is more likely to suffer from depression; he is also inclined to eat more, causing a very difficult cycle to break out from. External factors can play a role on how your child perceives his or her appearance and self worth, and this can take a toll on his confidence and self esteem, causing his social skills to suffer. It’s a difficult and sad thought, but some obese children are even bullied into suicide.

It’s not enough to speak to your child and tell them that you love and care for him despite his weight. While this is a very crucial step in letting him know that you are there for him, your child (with your help) will need to take more action.

One good way to help your child combat obesity is by involving him in kids weight loss camps such as Camp Pocono Trails. Just like typical summer camps or kids camps, weight loss summer camps allow your child to be in a healthy and accepting environment where he can meet friends, get active learn valuable lessons about eating and living healthy. Weight loss camps like these can be a stepping stone to helping him reverse obesity, giving him the chance to live life as an individual who is healthier and more confident as well.

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Tips For Choosing The Right Teen Girls’ Weight Loss Program

August 11, 2010 by

Each year, thousands of teenage girls are afflicted with eating disorders. Often, these disorders fly under the parental radar until a medical emergency is experienced. There is no doubt that growing up as a teenage girl offers a wide variety of problems when it comes to self-image. Today’s teen media punctuates the “thin is in” message that makes teenage girls so determined to lose weight. For this reason, teenage girls are often targeted by marketers of fast weight loss programs, supplements and outrageous exercise programs that can cause major health issues for young girls. If your daughter is overweight, or overly concerned about her weight it is your parental responsibility to find teen girls weight loss options that are above all positive and healthy!

When it comes to teen weight loss, doctors and nutritionists are often skeptical and cautious before advocating any program. Not only is a teenage girls body still growing, which means they have nutritional needs beyond that of a grown woman; but they are also more likely to become obsessive about their weight loss program. For many girls, the answer can come in the form of a weight loss camp for girls, which is specifically designed to help with the psychological aspects of weight and body image as well as successful weight loss. Often, the issues of being overweight or losing weight for girls are one that branches from social insecurity or embarrassment. They desperately feel that they have to fit into certain size clothing, or be the same size as the people they admire on TV, without giving thought to the fact that their goals may be unrealistic and even unhealthy for them.

In order to help teen girls weight loss be both healthy and successful,the program they choose should be discussed with a pediatrician. This way, any holes that don’t nutritionally support their growth will be revealed. If your teenage daughter is overweight, parents should also explore any underlying medical issues that could be the cause. Parents should also discuss positive body image and take a leading role in deciding which teen girls weight loss program their child can participate in. You will find that there are many healthy opportunities for teen weight loss that may exist within your community or school. Many branches of Weight Watchers offer programs specifically designed for teenage girls as well.

For many parents, the best thing they can do for their daughter is to enroll them in a weight loss camp for girls only. This way they will not be under pressure or scrutiny from boys and they will find companionship with other girls who share the same concerns as them. Many of the weight loss camps for girls teach young teens how to eat healthily, exercise properly, and change their mindset so that it will be one of self-acceptance and self-confidence. These controlled environments allow ample room for education about proper nutrition as well as how to make lifestyle changes that will support your daughter long term. These are perhaps the most important elements of any teen girls weight loss program.

Unfortunately, many teen weight loss initiatives are taken without parental or doctor involvement. These can lead to deadly obsessive eating disorders. Chances are if your teen girl is overweight, they are suffering from esteem issues. By introducing healthy alternatives, such as local support groups, weight loss camps for girls or by offering exercise programs that are safe – you can drastically change the quality of life your teen daughter experiences.

It is important that moms of teens realize how loudly their own words and actions speak to their daughters as well. Whether mom is overweight or stringently disciplined when it comes to diet and exercise, your daughter will often follow suit. By making often off handed comments about ‘looking fat in jeans’ or not being happy with their own body, they unintentionally can pass on self-image issues to their daughters. If you are looking for a teen weight loss program for your daughter, you may find that leading by example is the most drastic way to help them.

If your daughter needs help with her weight, then offering to run with her, take an exercise class and making strides to remain active at home can make a huge difference. Additionally, family members can partake together in nutrition classes that help everyone learn how to stay healthy by eating the right foods and monitoring portions. Above all, realize that teen girls weight loss, when facilitated by supportive and involved parents – can be healthy and long term. If your daughter is extremely overweight, then choosing from many of the well-rounded weight loss camps for girls may be just the ticket to a lifetime of healthy eating and self-confidence.

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Weight Loss For Girls Should Be Encouraged, Not Pushed!

August 5, 2010 by

You may not know this, but Michelle Obama has taken the plight to help teenagers lose weight and get healthy as her personal agenda. This year the CDC reported that obesity among young adolescents is higher than it has ever been. One group in particular, teenage girls are often hit the hardest by problems with weight and suffer from embarrassment, bullying, and are prone to eating disorders. Not only does being an overweight teen cause the onset of life threatening illnesses, it can be debilitating at a time in a kids life when they should be thriving the most! One of the biggest mistakes that parents and other adults make when it comes to teen girls weight loss is push the issue, making the child feel even worse. Luckily, thanks to First Lady Obama and lots of other positive influences, there are easy ways to encourage your girls weight loss without being hurtful.

First, realize that in order for teen girls weight loss to occur, they must have a basic understanding of nutrition and healthy eating habits. A survey in a United States high school indicated that 89% of teenagers (both boys and girls) do not understand how to balance calories or what they should or should not be eating. One of the reasons is that the diet industry as flooded the food aisles and convenience stores with processed and prepared foods claiming to be ‘calorie free,’ ‘fat free,’ carb free,’ or ‘low fat.’ These labels on products like energy drinks and snack foods often target teen girls and can make weight loss for girls confusing at best.

Parents also have part of the blame. Obviously, parents are the ones filling the fridge at home with foods that are unhealthy. Today, fewer families sit down to a family meal which often has teen girls fending for themselves when it comes to dinners. Rather than push your teen to work out and eat right, be a stellar example. You might even want to take one of the many free weight loss for girls or nutrition classes that are given at local hospitals. Then, make the teen girls weight loss program a family affair. Include your daughter in on the grocery shopping, meal preparation and list making. Clean out and revamp the fridge and cupboards so that your home is ‘girls weight loss friendly!’ This way you are setting both an example and leading the way.

You can also look at some of the government sponsored programs under the “Let’s Move” campaign. Exercise is instrumental in healthy living and in teen girls weight loss. Shape Up America, SmallStep Adult & teen as well as The Presidents Challenge offer great ideas to facilitate girls weight loss. Make sure that you ensure your teen daughter has the encouragement to participate. Other ideas are to join a gym, take a fitness class, or set aside time each day to walk together. You will find that when your teen daughter is having fun and learning the proper ways to care for her body, her weight loss will come natural. Plus, it’s a great way to show your daughter that you support her!

If your daughter is extremely overweight, you may want to enroll her weight loss camps for girls. These camps can be powerful catapults to teaching her how to eat right for her body, exercise safely, and learn the powers of positive thinking and self-esteem. Many offer extended care and support groups that are directed specifically for teen girls weight loss. This way, they will have a clear understanding of the right way to not just lose weight, but eat and stay healthy.

If your daughter is overweight, chances are you become frustrated when you see her making poor choices. Rather than chastise or point your finger – it is your job to empower her with encouragement. These difficult years, full of emotional and physical changes can be trying in the best of circumstances. If you stand behind your teen girls weight loss and make eating healthy a new way to live, you can help her achieve success. Even if you choose to send her to weight loss camps for girls; make sure that you prepare your home and offer plenty of encouragement when she comes home to ensure her success! Weight loss is easier for anyone who has an army behind them to lead the way. For girls weight loss, you can help them get much further if you support and encourage them rather than react in frustration to their problem.

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Fat Camps and Weight Loss Camps – There is a Difference!

July 31, 2010 by

You have heard of fat camps. A bunch of overweight teens gather together with the common goal of losing weight. Then, as soon as they arrive, they are succumbed to a drill sergeant who will be there for an extended period of time to ensure that the kids lose weight. This old idea of fat camps has many people looking for positive options for their overweight teen cringing at the thought of any of the weight loss camps geared toward children. The truth is that fat camps and weight loss camps are two entirely different platforms with very different results.

Fat camps, often referred to as boot camps are camps where kids can go to shed a few pounds. Once they arrive, they are put on extremely strict diets, high intensity exercise programs and are diligently monitored for progress. The kids normally have weigh-ins, spend the day hiking, and eating only small portions during the day. Do they work? Yes, BUT they only work while the child is confined and under the often strict influence of the counselors and instructors. The children that attend these fat camps or fitness camps are not being given any life skills that will help them experience long-term weight loss. Worse, some of the tactics are belittling and bullying in an attempt to shame children for being overweight.

Weight loss camps on the other hand are carefully planned programs. Participants can attend the camps for long or short periods of time. The instruction is blended with plenty of education about the life skills your child will need to not just lose weight, but to remain healthy. The kids learn about issues such as self-control, self-discipline and learn the truths about nutrition and their body’s needs. Infused with these lessons are real life tactics they can use to be in control of their weight loss and their bodies. When the weight loss camp is over, the child is sent home with plenty of support, education, and tools to help them should they become misdirected. Essentially, the biggest difference between fat camps and weight loss camps is that weight loss camps act as a steady foundation of health while fat camps are like a ‘quick, fast diet campaign.’ Which would you rather your child to attend?

At some point in your child’s life, they will have to take responsibility for their body and their choices in life. Weight loss camps allow them to do so, and allow them to make positive and long lasting changes. It comes down to the old adage “when you know better, you do better!” For many teens, they just don’t know any better and live in homes with unhealthy parents or have emotional problems that are going undetected. The weight loss camps that are successful offer a full array of services so that your child is treated like an individual and given valuable life resources.

You would think in this day and age that the traditional ‘fat camps'; would no longer exist. Sadly, they do. Parents need to make good choices when it comes to helping their child lose weight. If you think your child would benefit from a weight loss camp, then conduct thorough research to ensure that the one you choose is more than just boot camp for overweight kids. The differences between the two are often made clear by the long term outcome based data that a camp has to offer. Before you enroll your child, make sure you take a look at these results so you know you are making the right choice.

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Summer Activities to Encourage Weight Loss for Girls

July 15, 2010 by

Summer months offer the perfect opportunity to lose some weight and get in shape. Not only is the weather more conducive for exercise, but the clothing and styles give an extra incentive to shed some pounds so you can look and feel great. This is also a great time to introduce new activities for your teen girls weight loss goals. Research shows that children and young adults who engage in physical activity starting at a young age tend to carry these traits with them through adulthood. The trick is getting your teenager off the couch, away from the computer and active. Here are some great ideas to do just that!

Many teens think of exercise as something horrid and torturous. The easiest way to disassociate a negative reaction with exercise is to show them that they can do things they love, and exercise at the same time. If your teenager loves to play golf, softball, or volleyball – summer offers the perfect chance to make these activities daily habits. You can enroll your daughter in targeted teen fitness camps or in a daily weight loss camp that will promote healthy exercise. Since school is out, there are no excuses about time restraints.

Another way to help your teen girls weight loss goals become reality is to initiate a walking program in your area for schoolchildren. If your teenager is meeting up with friends, IPod in tow – she will be much more likely to keep up the walking regime. Walking in the mornings is the perfect way to boost her metabolism and give her a healthy and positive activity to start each day with. Add some socializing, and you have a definite winning combination.

You can also find that there are plenty of recreational activities in your area. A favorite for many teens because it doesn’t involve sweating, is swimming. Join a neighborhood pool or fitness center that has a pool and your teenager can swim laps and get in shape. Swimming is one of the best weight loss for girls exercises, its fun and she can get a tan while she is there.

If these exercises don’t seem to get your teen girl moving around, then opt for the purchase of a treadmill or elliptical machine that you can put in your living room. This way, she can start her program in private and walk or run while she is watching her favorite shows. This is one activity that she can do year round and is a great way to introduce motivation.

Since teenage girls seem to be obsessive about their exercising, you want to make sure that you monitor their activities. Some families have launched a full-fledge fitness program in their home turning it into a family competition. This idea works great and makes it hard for your teenager, no matter how moody – to resist jumping in. Keep track of daily nutrition and see which family member can drink the most water during the day. Every day, a family walk or run can end the day on a positive note.

Many families also overlook the abundant activities they have right outside their own back door. Introduce your child to hiking local parks, climbing a mountain or taking an outdoor adventure that is a local attraction for you. You will find that many parks offer seasonal passes which makes them both affordable and a great way to get in plenty of activity. The key is to find things your teenager enjoys doing so she will want to do it! The sky really is the limit and while teen fitness camps are a great starting point, you will have to be creative to find new activities they can do to stay active once they come home. Many gyms for women only welcome teenage girls and most local recreation departments offer yoga and aerobic classes that will be fun and healthy.

The goal is not just weight loss, but long-term health and well-being that will be facilitated by great life choices. For teen girls weight loss can be the start of a new life and summer is the perfect time to get into an exercise routine!

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Top 10 Keys to Healthy Teen Weight Loss

June 15, 2010 by

When it comes to a diet and exercise program for teens, the key is in moderation support. Chances are your teen knows they are overweight and is burdened by more than just the extra pounds. Your first step should be to talk to your teen openly. Discuss the health risks associated with being overweight and try to help them understand that they really do have a choice. There is so much conflicting information for teens that they often do not know where to start. Skirting the issue or denying that it exists isn’t going to save your teens feelings because they know the truth. Teen weight loss can be achieved as long as parents and teens are ready to be honest and accept responsible for their actions. Talk with your teen and discuss what they would like to see happen. Then, make a plan of action. Following is a 10-Step Program parents and teens can use to help their child lose weight.

  1. Talk about the problem. (as discussed above)
  2. Accept responsibility. When you and your teen can see where conscious choices lead to the problem, you can regain control.
  3. Eradicate words like fat or thin. You and your teen should talk in terms of healthy and set realistic goals. Try to debunk the effects that the media has on your teen so they are able to remain realistic and feel pride for their own successes.
  4. Don’t allow your teen weight loss to include any quick or drastic diets, pills, supplements, or strategies. Help your teen understand that ‘quick’ teen weight loss is unhealthy, dangerous, and temporary.
  5. Look for teen fitness camps that will focus on healthy habits and exercise. These will jumpstart your teen’s weight loss and help them realize their long-term goals.
  6. Take classes, read books, cruise the internet for nutrition and health information. The more you know, the more changes the entire family can make.
  7. Set short term and long-term goals. Use a reward system. For instance, set up a shopping trip for your teenager if they stick to their diet, exercise or experience some weight loss.
  8. Resist the urge to be couch potatoes. Find creative and fun ways to incorporate at least an hours worth of activity in your teen’s routine.
  9. Remain supportive at all times. Recognize the emotional triggers to weight gain and over eating and help your teen devise a new plan with new habits.
  10. Above all else…remain positive. Reinforce your teen’s weight loss plan with constant support and act like a good example. In order to save your child from the effects of being overweight, they need to be led by example in the home.

Often, families don’t talk about weight problems. When you can bring the issue to the forefront and discuss healthy options and solutions, your teen will be empowered to lose weight. While it may look like you are simple changing your teen’s outward appearance, the truth is you are changing their life in much more meaningful ways.

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