Importance of Eating a Regular Balanced Diet As a Teenager

Significance

• Eating a regular, balanced diet will help a teenager grow into a healthy adult. Because of the amount of growth during this stage of life, teenagers require a higher caloric intake than children and adults. Getting a sufficient amount of calcium is also very important during this stage; bones require a minimum of 1,200 mg of calcium a day in order to fully develop and prevent osteoporosis later in life. Additionally, the consumption of iron is essential for gaining muscle mass. Failing to maintain adequate nutrition during this period can result in long-term health consequences.
  
  

Benefits

• Having a well-rounded diet as a teenager ensures that you get the proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Healthy eating can also prevent eating disorders, some types of cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
  
  

Considerations

• In order to make the transition from not-so-healthy to healthy eating, consider substituting some of your teenager's favorite unhealthy foods with those that are more nutritious. Try yogurt as opposed to ice cream, vegetables rather than potato chips, and fresh fruit instead of candy. You might also try replacing hamburgers with fish or lean meat to ensure your child is getting enough protein and iron.