Nutrition for Teenagers

The teens are a time of rapid growth and development. Usually appetites match needs, but some teens are attracted to fad diets.

• Teenagers express their newly found independence by giving up some of the family food habits and developing their own style
• Education and information about the best choices of snacks and takeaways are important at this time
• Remember it is the total diet that counts. Teenagers will eat some of the high-fat snacks and takeaways, but encourage them to balance these with foods from the Healthy Living Pyramid
• Emphasise good food as part of a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and avoiding cigarettes and the abuse of other drugs
• Discuss alcohol. The most common cause of accidents and death in this age group is the abuse of alcohol
• Encourage teenagers to enjoy non-alcoholic drinks at their parties and gatherings