Nutrition Tips for Teens

Teenagers have specific nutritional needs that need to be addressed and followed in order for them to grow up healthy and strong. A balanced diet that coincides with their exercise and activity levels is important for living a healthy lifestyle and encouraging nutritional consciousness throughout their adult lives. Knowing the pros and cons of a typical teenager's diet will help adults better understand the importance of a balanced diet and proper exercise in a teen's daily life.

Cutting Back on the Bad

• Many teenagers have access to foods that are not exactly healthy options. These foods, such as sodas, chips, and candy, are not the proper kinds of fuel that a teenager's body needs. Junk foods and soda pops are high in sugar, caffeine, salt, and fat, and have little to no nutrients like minerals and vitamins. Also, teenagers typically don't follow strict portion control, at times eating a number of servings, which can increase their caloric intake. Removing these "filler foods" and replacing them with more natural, less processed options will drastically better the diet of most teenagers in America.

Eating More of the "Right" Foods

• Replace junk food and soda pop with healthy snack and drink alternatives. Instead of soda, have a number of nutritious alternatives for teenagers to drink, such as 100% fruit juices, milk, and water. Instead of having potato chips and fatty snacks around, replace these with readily available fruit, trail mixes, and snacks like yogurt or string cheese, which can be a healthier alternative to pizza rolls or snack chips. Also, encourage them to eat low-fat foods, as well as foods that are low in added salt and preservatives.

Getting the Right Nutrients

• Make sure teenagers are receiving the proper nutrients on a daily basis. Vitamins and minerals are essential for proper growth into adulthood and are often overlooked when it comes to daily eating habits. If teenagers are not getting vitamins and minerals in their daily diet, it is important that they consider supplements to obtain the right amounts on a regular basis.

Move and Play Every Day

• Exercise is important to battling childhood obesity. Also, teenagers need to move and play to grow up strong and heart-healthy, so encourage outdoor activities and sports for your teenager. Also, if your teenager is into highly active and vigorous sports on a daily basis, talk to their primary physician about the caloric intake they need to meet in order to fuel their bodies properly for exercise and physical activities.