Importance of healthy eating during adolescence
During our adolescence, it can be easy to fall into habits of unhealthy eating. After all, no one is there to explicitly monitor what you’re eating and when we’re young, it often doesn’t seem important.
However, the reality is that what we eat during this formative stage has a lasting impact on our physical and mental health for years to come.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of healthy eating during adolescence and why it’s so important to focus on feeding our bodies well during this vital time.
We’ll also examine how diet affects mental health during these years and offer advice on how to make healthy choices along the way.
The difference between healthy eating as a child versus as an adult?
As a child, you are growing and developing at a rapid pace. Your body is constantly changing and your nutritional needs are different than those of an adult.
It is important to eat a variety of healthy foods to ensure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs to grow and develop properly.
As an adult, you are no longer growing and your nutritional needs are different than those of a child. You need fewer calories and less of certain nutrients, such as calcium and iron.
It is still important to eat a variety of healthy foods to maintain your health and avoid chronic diseases.
What are the best foods you should be feeding your kids?
As your kids enter adolescence, it’s more important than ever to make sure they’re eating a healthy diet. That means plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It also means limiting sugary drinks, saturated fat, and sodium.
Here are some specific foods that are particularly important for adolescents:
Fruits and vegetables: These are packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can help kids maintain a healthy weight, lower their risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer, and promote good mental health.
Whole grains: These include things like whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa. They’re a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and promote a healthy digestive system.
Lean protein: This includes chicken, fish, tofu, beans, and nuts. It helps kids build strong muscles and bones and can also help them regulate their weight.
Drinks: Kids should limit their intake of beverages like sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices, which are high in sugar and calories but low in nutrients. Water is the best beverage for hydration.
How often should kids really be eating?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the child's age, activity level, and overall health. However, in general, kids should be eating three healthy meals a day plus snacks as needed.
It's important for kids to eat frequently throughout the day to maintain their energy levels and avoid becoming too hungry.
If kids wait too long between meals, they may end up overeating or making unhealthy choices.
That said, it's also important to make sure that meals are nutritious and well-balanced.
Adolescents need plenty of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support their growing bodies and minds. Unhealthy foods can fill them up without providing the nutrients they need.
If you're unsure about how often your child should be eating or what kinds of foods are best for them, talk to their doctor or a registered dietitian.
They can help you create a tailored plan that meets your child's individual needs.
Body20 Members have access to Nutrition Doctors and Wellness Coaches who assess, assist and advise on the most effective health and wellness approach for you.
Book a free demo at your nearest Body20 Studio to find out more here.
