7 healthy eating tips for teens

Teenagers today have more to contend with than a generation ago when there were practically no computers and dates were something you only checked on calendars.

The demands on a normal teenager are huge. They are supposed to balance school with extra-curricular activities, which means less leisure and a tiring hurry to get anywhere fast and first. So if we have thrust so much responsibility on these young shoulders, we’d better make sure there’s more food and more health on their plate.

Like television time, a teenager’s diet needn't be very restrictive in terms of calories, but by the type of food.

Here are some quick tips for teens to eat healthy:

1. Junk food will give you nothing but junk health: Go off chips, pizzas, burgers and everything that you call yummy. We know that’s difficult in the beginning, but, hey, look at the brighter side: results are quick and weight loss begins almost immediately. If it helps, just remember cutting out on junk food can save you a lot of pocket money which you can use for other things.
2. Say no to cola and soda: Cold drinks give you empty calories and zero nutrition. Do not gulp down that cola saying it’s just liquid. Calories in liquids count.
3. No sweets more than twice a week: If you have a sweet tooth, choose healthier options like fruits. Ask mom to use honey or stevia instead of sugar.
4. Be regular: Teenage calls for 3-4 regular meals a day to provide the energy needed throughout the day, facilitate growth and development of the body, and maintain healthy weight. Avoid skipping meals and eat on time.
5. Be inclusive: Include all food groups in your diet. Choose fruits, variety of vegetables, whole grains, milk and dairy products and oils to get all proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbs and fats.
6. Be focussed: Focus on the food you are eating. Chew your food properly. Do not eat in hurry, or check your phone while eating. This can lead to indigestion.
7. Do not go on diet: It robs body of body of valuable nutrients needed for growth. Inadequate nutrition makes you weak and prone to diseases in adulthood.

We hope you have enjoyed reading these tips and also hope that you will follow them to the tee.