The last question posted was: How many calories are in a pound of body weight? Answer: 3500.

Let's look at that number for a moment. To gain a pound of weight, someone must eat 3500 more calories than they burn, and to lose a pound, they must burn 3500 more than they eat. It is simple math.

But these are just numbers--how does that look in everyday life? Let's talk about losing weight, a BIG issue among kids your age:

The easiest way to lose weight is to cut out "drink calories"--i.e, soda, juice, Gatorade, etc.

For example, if I drank water every day instead of a can of Coke (220 calories), in 2 weeks I'd lose a pound. In a year, I'd shed about 20 pounds! I'm not making a HUGE change; I'm just substituting something healthy for something unhealthy. Little changes like that can make all the difference.

Here are few other simple choices:

1. Drink a glass of water before each meal.

2. At every meal, eat a piece of fruit or handful of veggies. The cafeteria does a great job of providing healthy food--take advantage of it!

3. When you sit down to dinner, eat veggies and meat first, wait about 5 minutes (a great chance to TALK to your family!), then eat your carbs (bread, rice, potatoes, etc.).

Happy eating!

In your comment, share your opinion of which of the following breakfasts YOU think is healthier, and why:

1. A whole wheat bagel with cream cheese

2. A cup of regular yogurt mixed with sliced bananas and raisins