INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Talk to your parents and physical education coaches at school, perhaps even your doctor, to determine what type of diet is the best for your metabolism and physical needs. For the most part, healthy eating means eating lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with limited sugars and fats. If you have any known medical conditions, speak to your doctor before beginning a fitness routine. If you ever suspect something is wrong, such as having symptoms like a racing heartbeat even when sitting down, see a doctor as soon as you can. Make a list with your parents of foods that you need to eat to stay on target with becoming fit. If these foods are different from what they usually bring home from the grocery store, ask your mom or dad to start getting them. You may even want to ask for a weekly food budget so that you can purchase these foods yourself.  For example, if your family eats a lot of deep-fried foods, you may want to switch to steaming, sautéing, and eating more fresh veggies. Fresh veggies may be a new thing for your family, so you should communicate your desire to have more of them on hand at home. You may want to learn how to cook for yourself if your family does not cook the way that you know you should. Just remember to eat the foods and veggies you ask your parents to buy. Be involved in the preparation so you are not asking someone else to do the work for you. If fresh foods go to waste, your parents will not be as happy about getting special foods for you. Don't get caught up in dieting, calorie counting, or portion control. You are a growing girl and indulging in sweet treats once in a while is a normal part of your teenage years. Adopt a mindset of "all things in moderation" and change your approach to food in moderation as well. If you think you have a problem with food, whether eating too little or too much, or obsessing over food, talk to someone. Tell a parent, a coach, a guidance counselor, or another trusted adult. In fact, sharing your fitness goals and the changes you have made with a trustworthy adult is a good way to stay healthy because they may be able to detect any unhealthy goals or changes before you do.

SUMMARY: Decide what types of food will help you stay healthy. Buy the food you need each week. Avoid taking dieting too far.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Let your stepchild know that you are available to talk whenever needed and be a good listener when your stepchild does come to you for a chat. Be open-minded and accepting of difference, as the child has had different experiences before you came along. Make your own preferences known without being harsh or intimidating––always explain your actions and preferences with sound reasons.  Never let the only interaction you have with your stepchild that day be yelling and screaming. You should always try to focus on the positive things they do and not always the things they are doing wrong. Keep your negative opinions of the child's biological father to yourself. Unless you're asked directly, don't bring up your opinions of him in front of the children or anyone else. If you are asked directly, be circumspect and tactful, as there is often a risk of an emotional overflow. Each parent's parenting style is different and unless the father is not taking part in parenting at all or is abusive in any way, you don't need to pass judgment. Never argue with the child's mother in front of the child. Be especially careful about making derogatory remarks about her where the child may hear. The child will be highly alert to any disharmony, mostly due to a sense of protectiveness toward the mother and holding a strong hope that this new relationship will result in creating a happy family arrangement. The child/ren will need your love and affection at all times, they will need you to be there whenever they need you, no matter what the situation. Moreover, they will need you to be the better parent at times, they will need you to stick up for them no matter what, and they will need you to give them a pass once in a while.  Be ready to listen to them and understand what they are going through or what they are trying to say. Give them your fatherly shoulder to cry on at times or even just a hug or a kiss on the forehead or just a simple "I love you".

SUMMARY:
Communicate clearly and calmly. Be openly caring.