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Facts on How to Get Adolescents to Eat Healthy

By the teenage years, eating habits are usually well-established, but you can still make changes in your teen's diet. Encourage healthy eating habits early and be a good role model. Learn easy tips to make small changes toward healthier habits.

  1. Eat Breakfast

    • Encourage your teen to eat a regular breakfast. People who eat breakfast are more likely to have better overall nutrition and a healthier weight. Children's Hospital of Boston reports that 20 percent of teens skip breakfast. For the teen on the go, make breakfast simple. Try cereal, yogurt with fruit or scrambled eggs. Remember to choose cereals with 5 g of sugar or less, and at least 5 g of fiber.

    Avoid Sugary Beverages

    • Soda, juice, sports drinks and other sugary beverages are loaded with empty calories. Help your teen avoid drinking too much added sugar by supplying sugar-free drinks. Try diet sodas, sugar-free drink mixes and flavored water to give taste without calories. If your teen is going to drink regular soda or juice, limit the amount to 4 to 8 oz.

    Get Involved

    • Get your teen involved with the cooking and shopping. Feeling a sense of control over food choices will help teens feel empowered by them. Provide a variety of healthy snack or dinner choices and let them choose. Take the opportunity to teach the importance of nutrition.

    Avoid Diet Thinking

    • Adolescence is a sensitive period. Avoid a diet mentality with your teen, especially if your teen is overweight or struggles with self-image. Good nutrition is important for healthy development; a diet mentality can lead to caloric restriction, stunted development and eating disorders. Remember, all foods can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Avoid categorizing foods as "good" and "bad." Emphasize healthy eating as a lifestyle choice, not as a temporary fix.

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