If you want to create the perfect menu for a teenager’s nutritional needs, you should include both more calories if the teen is active and healthier more nutrient packed foods. It’s a time when teens are starting to break away from the nest and make their own food choices. If you are the parent, you have little control over what your teen eats when he or she is out of the house, so teaching the teen a healthy way of eating is the best option.
The perfect menu that’s basic enough to use with all foods.
Rather than creating an actual menu, create an outline of what a good menu should be. Serving size is also extremely important. It’s also important not to skip meals. The healthy diet should have at least three meals and two snacks a day. It should contain five servings of fruits and vegetables, three and a half servings of daiy—such as milk or cheese, teens need 40 to 60 grams of protein daily. One hard boiled egg is approximately 6 grams and a 95% lean 4-ounce ground beef burger, grilled chicken breast or ¾ of Atlantic salmon are about 33 grams. 1/3 to 1/4th of the diet calories should come from healthy fat, such as avocados, nuts or fish. Three to four servings of grains is also important.
It’s not just food that makes a difference.
What you drink is also important. Not only are carbonated drinks filled with sugar, they also are slightly acidic due to the carbonation and can damage teeth. That destroys the teeth’s enamel and cause dental problems that don’t go away. Sticking with plain water is a good option. Teenager’s need about 9 to 14 cups of water a day based on average activity. Water not only helps lubricate joints, it also helps regulate the temperature of the body and cushion internal organs. It helps the complexion, weight loss, hair and has many other health and beauty benefits for teens.
It’s not that hard to create a healthy menu.
If you’re a teen, start helping to plan your daily food. Learn how to make smart choices when you’re out with your friends at a fast food restaurant. Your body won’t fall apart if you eat just one unhealthy meal, but the more healthy your diet, the better you’ll look and feel. When you start eating healthy, you’ll never have to diet again. Parents can help to identify the food groups and portion sizes when your teen is first starting a healthy menu.
- Regular exercise and an active lifestyle is also important for good health. Not only does exercise help you stay trim and slim, it also helps prevent or eliminate problems with acne by causing sweat that flushes the pores.
- Having a healthy snack for mid morning and afternoon can be a simple as a bag of grapes or cut veggies with dip. Make extra for friends, since almost everyone will want to have a nibble or two.
- It doesn’t have to be a big deal, since there’s lots of choices when you eat healthy. In fact, you don’t even have to tell friends, unless you want to share the great benefits.
- No matter what your age, what you eat makes a huge difference in complexion, weight and overall health. It can boost energy and even help improve your mood.