A well-balanced diet consisting of healthy eating habits is imperative for normal growth and development in adolescent girls. The adolescent years occur between puberty and maturity, for girls, this is generally the ages between eight and 14, states the KidsHealth website. The attitude and behaviors of the parents may be better predictors of healthy eating habits in their adolescent girls.
Statistics
The percentage of adolescents, age 10 to 17, who are overweight or obese, is 31.6 percent; the rate for adults is 60.8 percent, according to Statehealthfacts.org, a service of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Nearly a third of all U.S. children consume fast food daily, reports Helpguide.org. Making changes together will fare well for the whole family. "Pediatrics," the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics" June 2008 issue, included a study on the effects of parental acknowledgment regarding their adolescents' weight status. Researchers found that parents classifying their children as overweight provided more encouragement to diet than to eat healthfully. The authors recommended instead, that "parents provide a home environment that supports healthful eating, physical activity and well-being."
Nutrition Basics
Your daughter's adolescent years are particularly important for proper nutrient intake. As she grows, according to Helpguide.com, there is a greater need for vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium. Starting healthy habits now, they add, may help prevent the development of chronic disease in the future. MyPyramid.gov recommends 5 to 6 ounces of grains, about 2 to 2.5 cups of vegetables, 2 cups fruit, 3 cups of dairy, 5 ounces of meat or beans and 5 tsp of oil daily.
Breakfast
Adolescents are encouraged to eat breakfast daily. A five-year study, published in the March 2008 issue of the "Pediatrics," reported that the frequency with which 2,216 adolescents ate breakfast declined with age and negatively affected body weight. This study revealed that as the frequency for breakfast declined, the average body mass index of the participants increased. The authors recommend further study to determine a correlation between breakfast consumption and adolescents specifically concerned with their weight. Eating a balanced breakfast daily keeps the metabolism going and provides energy for the day ahead.
Conclusion
Families eat and cook together often, suggests Helpguide.org. Discuss the foods you eat and their nutritional value. Try new things often and involve your teens in the shopping and cooking processes. Keep a wide variety of healthy snack options available and encourage your child to decide when they have had enough to eat or whether or not they eat a particular food. It may take many exposures to the same food before your child likes it. Encourage healthy eating habits as a family and your child will not only have knowledge, but positive examples for the future.
References
- KidsHealth: Growth and Your 13- to 18-year-old
- Statehealthfacts.org: Percent of Children (10-17) who are Overweight or Obese, 2007
- Helpguide.org: Nutrition for Children and Teens
- "Pediatrics"; Accurate Parental Classification; D. Neumark-Sztainer, et al; June 2008
- Mypyramid.gov: My Pyramid Plan
- "Pediatrics"; Breakfast Eating and Weight Change; Maureen T. Timlin, et al; March 2008
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