The Best Diets for Young People

Despite having the element of youth on their sides, young people often feel pressure to stay thin and fit. Many diets and much of the nutritional information available, however, do not take into account special circumstances, such as different metabolism rate and the accessibility of healthy food options, when it comes to young people. Here are a few diets and tips that the young can use to keep themselves healthy.

Habits

• Many young people fall into the habit of eating on the go because of their busy lifestyles. Often times this means grabbing a leftover piece of pizza or buying some candy or potato chips from the corner market. Instead of reaching for fatty and sugary snacks, it is better to keep healthy snacks such as nuts, berries and granola bars on your person at all times.

  The erratic nature of many young people's schedules tends to keep them from eating three full meals a day. Do not skip breakfast, by any means. This is one of the most important meals of the day for young people because it helps them start the day off with enough nutrients and calories. Also, if you find yourself grasping for enough time to sit down and have a full meal, try having multiple, perhaps five or six, light meals throughout the day.

Dieting

• Diets are never recommended for youths. In fact, the younger you are the more calories you burn and require. Many fad diets today rely on the elimination of calories, fat or starches. While this may be manageable for older people, younger people should not have to regulate the food they eat quite as much, and definitely should never limit their calorie intake below the recommended daily 2,000.

  This does not mean, however, that you do not need to eat healthily. Getting five servings of fruits and vegetables, centering your meals on good carbohydrates and limiting your fat and sugar intake is always a great routine.

Disorders

• When managing your nutrition, it is important not to place on yourself unattainable expectations. If a young person you know has been showing symptoms of an eating disorder, such as erratic behavior, hiding food or an unrealistic image of themselves, it is important to talk to them and a health professional or adult you can trust. Likewise, many teens develop unhealthy overeating habits, that should be taken just as seriously as they may lead to diabetes, heart conditions and other health complications.