Being overweight seems to be a national trouble. Diets, books on dieting, dieting organizations, and advice from doctors and health professionals do not seem to be enough. Millions of people have turned to dangerous drugs or harmful diets to stave off their hunger.

The meat industry and the fast-food restaurants have more to do with America’s weight problem than anything else. Each day we are filled with powerful TV and radio ads promoting (推销) the idea that it’s perfectly OK to have bacon and eggs for breakfast, hamburgers and French fries for lunch. and fried chicken and French fries for supper.

Is there a healthy diet that people can use to lose weight and keep themselves slim and fit? There is indeed. A healthy diet-and-exercise regimen (养生之道) is actually pretty simple. That is to cut meat, fish, and milk products out of the picture completely (and I do mean completely).

* Do not eat any meat, fish, eggs, or milk products. No cheese, no ice cream, no pizza, and no butter.

* Eat only low-fat, and low-sugar foods. Eat fruit (in reasonable amounts) for desserts.

* As much as possible, avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or cola.

* Use soya drinks instead of milk. Soya drinks are high in protein and generally fairly low in fat.

* Eat cereals, grain, bread, and pasta in reasonable amounts (with no cheese, but always with high-protein foods).

* Jog or walk fast at least one mile per day. If you are unused to this level of exercise, start with smaller distances and build up to a mile.

It has been known for years that it is possible to get all the protein we need from high-protein vegetarian foods. Many restaurants now serve vegetable protein meals, such as veggie burgers or refried bean tacos and burritos; be sure to ask for them without cheese or sour cream!

   As a high school senior, Kimmarie Pond had never even considered cycling to get fit. That changed after she participated (参加) in Soul-Cycle’s program called Soul Scholarships.

The program teaches healthy lifestyle lessons to teens from New York’s suburbs, where healthy living isn’t always discussed in schools or the community.

The 17-year-old girl was asked if she thought she was too old to learn about living a healthy lifestyle. “I would say that you’re never too old to learn anything,” Pond replied. “I don’t think cycling is that hard,” she added.

Like Pond, Brown said his favorite part of the program came after they got off the bikes. “We take nutrition classes, where we learn about alternative (可供替代的) food choices, healthy options that encourage us to be more healthy,” he said.

“Adapting (适应) to change,” he added, “is not something I’d necessarily do, but I did it, and for me that means everything.”

Early results are positive, and not just for Brown. About one third of the participants did not exercise before joining the program. Now, 95 percent of the participants are working out regularly. The participants are also reported to have cut back on soda, which can have high sugar content, by 46 percent.

“We have never expected that the kids would be so energetic and devoted to the program,” said Ashley Mashihi, a cycling instructor.

Small steps can mean big change for these teens. Maria Caban says she feels different now. “When I walk out,” she says, “I walk with my head up. I feel a lot of pride in my participation.”

Getting healthy is so simple. To become healthy only 【小题1】 (require) you to make little changes in your life. For example, walk for thirty minutes every day. This can 【小题2】 (achieve) by taking the stairs at work, going shopping on foot, and walking to lunch. Walking will make you feel better, clear your mind, and get you the needed exercise for the day.

It’s also a good idea 【小题3】 (change) your attitude to food. Don’t eat when you feel unhappy or stressed. This is because 【小题4】 (eat) when you’re upset only leads to increased 【小题5】 (problem) of weight gain and bad health. Actually, at this time, you are supposed to go for 【小题6】 walk or jog, and in this way, you’ll feel better. What’s more, eat when you’re 【小题7】 (hunger) for the main meals. Try to stay away 【小题8】 junk food, especially sugary foods. Instead, eat more fresh fruits or vegetables and other foods 【小题9】 produce healthy energy and good calories.

In a word, walking and eating 【小题10】(proper) are two simple steps to be healthier. You’d better have a try.

   If children believe in themselves, they can achieve much more in the future. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is help improve your child’s self-esteem and confidence. So, what are parents supposed to do?

1. Be constructive (建设性的) with your criticism (批评)

【小题1】 When your child does something wrong, don’t talk about how he is “bad”. Instead, discuss how the behavior is bad. Offer constructive criticism about how he can improve his behavior.

2. 【小题2】

Put your child in the position to learn new things and explore his creative side. By developing his creativity, he’ll gain confidence as he tries new things.

3. Encourage problem-solving and decision-making

From the time when your child is young, allow him the opportunities (机会) to make decisions and solve problems on his own. 【小题3】

4. Help overcome (克服) fears

One of the best ways to help improve your child’s confidence and self-esteem is by helping him overcome his fears. 【小题4】 This is sometimes due to fears. They don’t think that they will do well, so they are afraid to try. As a parent, you must be able to know their fears and then put them in the position to overcome them.

5. Develop your child’s natural gifts

Talk to your child about his dreams and goals, as well as things that he is both good at and fond of. 【小题5】 By developing his natural gifts and helping him find his talents and hobbies, you’ll improve your child’s confidence, self-esteem and overall happiness.