Healthy Eating and Teens

Judging by how fast they can empty a refrigerator, it may be hard to believe that your teenager isn't getting adequate nutrition. Adolescents need more calories than any other age group, with boys requiring 2,800 daily calories and girls requiring 2,200, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The ravenous hunger typical of a teen helps to ensure she gets enough nutrients to support the growth spurts characteristic of her age group.

Types of Nutrients

It's just as important to make sure your teen is getting the right types of food as it is that they get an adequate amount. Calories come in the form of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Carbohydrates provide most of the body's energy. Proteins make up 50 percent of the human body. Fat is necessary to form hormones and cell membranes, but it shouldn't make up more than 30 percent of your teen's daily caloric intake. Your teen's diet also needs to supply the proper amount of vitamins and minerals to meet his growing needs.

Nutrition and Teen Health

The most obvious health issues connected with nutrition are those involving weight. Over the past 20 years obesity has tripled among those 12 to 19 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another concern is the prevalence of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Beyond the issues of weight and body image, the nutritional regimen that a teen follows determines her overall wellness, both now and in later life. Some of the most deadly diseases in the U.S. are related to dietary issues.

Teen Diet and Disease

Hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, is the most common cause of coronary disease, according to the CDC. Though normally associated with adults, the early stages of atherosclerosis begin in childhood. The same holds true for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was formerly called adult onset diabetes, but the increasing frequency of this disorder in the young prompted the name change. Both of these diseases have a strong dietary influence.

Teen Diet Patterns

The foods consumed by adolescents contribute to their likelihood of robust health or of diseases more commonly associated with senior citizens. The American Heart Association has stated that high sugar consumption is related to the rise of heart disease in teens. Packaged and processed foods that are popular with teens often contain large amounts of fat, sugar and sodium --- all of which can contribute to heart disease. Osteoporosis, commonly associated with the elderly, can also be influenced by the teen diet, as soda consumption can interfere with calcium absorption during the crucial adolescent years.

Reversing the Trend

Following few key guidelines can help improve your teen's nutritional intake. Limit soda and sweets to special occasions. Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables daily --- chips and fries don't count. Consume plenty of fiber in the form of beans and whole grains. Limit saturated fat. Eat more fish. And remember, a healthy breakfast is vital for attaining optimal performance at school.