Eating healthy fo the teens is very difficult. They like to frequently have fast food and snack with their friends. This leads to the intake of large amounts of fat, sugar and calories. This also leaves them without enough vitamins and minerals. Adolescence is actually the age where is a need to have enough nutrients. This is because you body takes many rapid changes during ouberty and thus needs many calories, and ingredients like protein, calcium, iron, folate and zinc.
Iron helps in carrying oxygen in the blood to the muscles. It also helps in making the brain sharp and the immune system fight disease. During menstruation a girl needs more iron. Choosing good iron-rich food helps to keep the body working optimally.
The body absorbs more calcium from the food during puberty. These days’ adolescents simply are not taking enough food rich in calcium to meet their needs. If children don’t take enough calcium then they might end up with weak bones and are prone to fractures.
After the early twenties, calcium is not anymore added to the bone. Presently most teenagers are getting far less than the recommended 700 milligrams of calcium everyday. So all teens should reach for foods that are rich in calcium.
Healthy Diet Basics:Learning to eat well can help in lowering the risk of developing any diseases in future. Nutrient needs have to meet by taking in a variety of different foods. Vitamin and mineral supplements do not replace a healthy diet and sometimes can be very harmful if used excessively. Consult to your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements.
Eating Disorders:Adolescent are at a high risk of developing eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. This is usually because of the desire for a 'perfect' slim body. Some young teenagers have a very inappropriate body image. Many teenagers feel believe that they are 'fat' even though their weight is in the normal range or below the normal range.
Eating disorders can be serious and have many health consequences, they can even be life threatening. In case you suspect that your child has an eating disorder, speak to a doctor immediately. Take your child for counseling because the child may not understand that he or she has a problem. The sooner a teenager can get help, better are her chances of recovery.