A healthy diet does not have to be limiting. In fact, a healthy diet allows many options and different foods to choose from. As a teen girl, it is important to make sure your diet is filled with nutrients needed for growth and development. A healthy diet can help you lose weight and gain energy.
Breakfast
Breakfast is essential because it fuels your body for the entire day. A healthy breakfast will also help you lose weight. Your breakfast should include whole grains because they are filled with fiber and will keep you full longer. Some healthy breakfast choices include whole wheat waffles and one egg, whole grain cereal and yogurt or a whole grain bagel and cottage cheese.
Meals
Lunch and dinner should consist of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Choose to eat whole grains instead of processed white breads and choose lean meats like chicken and turkey over red meat. A healthy lunch consists of a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with fruit, a peanut butter sandwich and cottage cheese or a salad with chicken and a cup of soup. Healthy dinner options include chicken, whole wheat pasta and veggies or a whole wheat tortilla, black beans and a salad.
Snacks
Snacking two times during the day, between meals, will help you prevent overeating during your main meals. MayoClinic.com recommends eating snacks that are around 100 calories. Healthy snack options may include fruit, vegetables and hummus, popcorn, fat-free pudding, whole wheat crackers and cheese, or a yogurt.
Considerations
Food should be enjoyable. Eat healthy but allow yourself to indulge in foods you love, in moderation. One cup of ice cream or a few cookies can be included in your diet, but not every day. Depriving yourself of foods is not sustainable. Limit the amount of soda and fast foods you consume, because they are empty calories that provide your body with little nutrition.
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