Alin75 pretty much covered it, but I have a couple more suggestions for you - while a 500 calorie deficit is generally the way to go, you also have to make sure you daily calorie count doesn't drop below 1500 at the very least. If it does, your body starts storing everything you eat instead of burning it. Take one day and eat as you normally do. Keep a log of how many calories you have, and calculate it up at the end of the day. As long as subtracting 500 calories doesn't put you below 1500, subtract about a hundred calories for a couple days and get your body used to having less and working harder. The goal here is to shape up - not shock your system.
Diet and exercise go hand in hand. I'm not talking about one of those fad "diets," I'm talking about a healthy lifestyle. As long as you're working out, lean protein such as nonfat dairy products, chicken, eggs, and other lean meats should be the main focus of your meals/snacks. You also need fruits, veggies, and complex carbs like grains (but aim for whole grains). DO NOT cut anything out of your diet. You can even leave dessert in there, just make sure you have one serving. Measuring cups are your friends.
If you're 13, chances are you're still growing and changing and all that. That also means you can adjust your metabolism easily. So try eating small portions every three hours instead of three big meals a day. It'll force your body to work faster to burn what you give it, and it'll become more efficient at the burning as well.
You don't need to work out every day right off the bat, but if you want to get rid of some body fat, you need to buckle down and do some cardio. Starting out 2 or 3 times a week is the way to go if you aren't a gym rat. Start lightly, and don't overdo it, especially if you're running. (Speaking from experience, if you start off running three miles every day, you give yourself stress fractures. Not so fun.) Try to work yourself up to hitting the gym 3-5 days a week, though. Hell, go 6 days a week if you can take it.
Don't take fat burners or pills. Don't take shortcuts. Be patient, and work hard. You'll get the results you want, and they'll be permanent.
Good luck!
-Siren =)

thanks

I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

Feel free to visit my website/blog, if you want to read my experience with domestic violence and my thoughts on it.

***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

If you need to get a hold of me quickly, my screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea. Just let me know you found me here.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren

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