According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 17 percent of teenagers are obese. Becoming obese at this young age puts your teen in danger of developing threatening conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Developing scheduled diets for your teen to follow will assist in keeping his food intake balanced and make sure he takes in necessary nutrients needed for development while teaching him the importance of healthy eating.
High Complex-Carbohydrate Diet
Carbohydrates can be identified as either simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are composed of sugars that cause your blood glucose levels to surge and then crash. Complex carbohydrates keep your teen's blood glucose levels steady allowing her to stay focused in school and energized for the entire day. These carbohydrates are easy to prepare and come in a number of varieties. Examples include whole grain cereals, whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice and legumes.
Low-Sugar Diet
Since simple carbohydrates cause your teen's blood glucose levels to be inconsistent, it is important to incorporate a low-sugar diet. High-sugar, simple-carbohydrate foods include sodas, candy, refined products and added sugars. Low-sugar diets can be implemented easily by providing your teen with healthy snack options. These snacks can include natural granola bars, trail mixes, hummus and crackers and yogurt smoothies.
Low Saturated-Fat Diet
If your teen's diet currently consists of saturated fats and trans fats, he will be more likely to face health issues that can be detrimental to his health. There is a strong need for healthy fats in your teen's diet to help support growth, tissue development and transport vitamins. Examples of healthy fat options for your teen include nuts, olive oil, avocado and fish. Teach your teen how to include healthy fats at each meal to ensure high energy levels for the demands of his day.
High Fruit and Vegetable Diet
Fruits and vegetables provide numerous vitamins and minerals that are necessary to support your teen's growth and development. Although your teen might not choose to eat these food products voluntarily, it is important to show her how versatile and tasty these foods are. Add berries, apples and bananas to your teen's oatmeal for breakfast. Serve hummus and vegetable as a tasty snack. For dinner, try a healthy vegetable stir-fry.
Member Comments