Why is nutrition especially important during the teenage years?

Why is nutrition especially important during the teenage years?

Healthy eating during adolescence is important as body changes during this time affect an individual’s nutritional and dietary needs. Teens are becoming more independent and making many food decisions on their own. Many teens have a growth spurt and an increase in appetite and need healthy foods to meet their needs.

What is the most important nutrition for teenagers?

The best way your teen can maintain a healthy weight is to eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, no-fat or low-fat milk products, beans, eggs, fish, nuts, and lean meats. Eating healthfully means getting the right balance of nutrients.

How much nutrition does a teenager need?

The body demands more calories during early adolescence than at any other time of life. Boys require an average of 2,800 calories per day. Girls require an average of 2,200 calories per day.

Why is nutrition important for the teenage brain?

The study suggests adequate nutrition in adolescence is important for the refinement of the adult brain and behavior. The structure and function of the brain continue to change throughout adolescence, at the same time that teenagers gain increasing independence and begin to make their own food choices.

How important is nutrition during puberty?

Moreover, the progression of puberty is affected by nutrition. On the other hand, puberty triggers a growth spurt, which increases nutritional needs including macro and micronutrients. Increased caloric, protein, iron, calcium, zinc and folate needs have to be provided during this critical period of rapid growth.

What do teens want to know about nutrition?

Learn about healthy eating and food-related issues for teens, tweens, and their parents. Topics include weight, vegetarian eating, and bone health. Learn about establishing and maintaining a positive body image through healthy eating habits.

How does nutrition affect adolescent development?

Adolescents need more nutrients than adults because they gain at least 40 percent of their adult weight and 15 percent of their adult height during this period. Inadequate intake can lead to delayed sexual development and slower linear growth (Jacob and Nair 2012).

What nutritional food should teens be eating?

Nutrition and healthy food for teenagers Fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegies give your child energy, vitamins , anti-oxidants , fibre , and water. Grain foods. Reduced-fat dairy foods and dairy-free alternatives. Protein. Healthy drinks for teenagers. Foods and drinks to limit.

What are the most important nutrients for teens?

Protein, iron, calcium and zinc are all important nutrients teens need to grow properly. Lean red meat, poultry, fish and beans, provide teens with protein, iron and zinc, while low-fat and nonfat dairy foods provide calcium.

Why should teens have a healthy diet?

A healthy diet is essential for teenagers because of their heightened nutritional needs, but also because the foods they eat as teenagers can impact their health when they reach adulthood. Healthy eating also promotes good food habits to last a lifetime.

What are healthy eating habits for teens?

One of the benefits of healthy eating habits for teenagers is helping them maintain a healthy weight. With healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, teenagers may easily keep their calorie intake balanced and control their weight.