Teenagers are in a stage of rapid growth, which is why it’s essential for teens to take in enough calories and nutrients on a daily basis. Dietary habits established during adolescence can persist into adulthood, which can either positively or negatively affect health and disease risk.An inadequate diet can negatively affect mood, energy levels, and athletic and academic performance ( 4, 5, 6).If teenagers don’t take in adequate calories and nutrients, they can experience health complications like stunted growth, delayed puberty, menstrual irregularities, and other conditions ( 1).Teens should learn the importance of a healthy diet and understand how to fuel themselves appropriately for many reasons, including: In fact, 50% of adult body weight is gained during adolescence ( 1).īecause adolescence is a long period of time that involves significant growth and development, it’s essential to provide the body with optimal nutrition by choosing nourishing foods and consuming enough calories on a daily basis. Height, weight, muscle mass, and bone density increase significantly, and organs like the heart, brain, and liver grow in size. Early adolescence happens between the ages of 10–14, while late adolescence occurs between the ages of 15–19 ( 1).ĭuring adolescence, the body goes through rapid growth, including changes in body composition as well as sexual and cognitive development. Why is healthy eating important for teens?Īdolescence is defined as the period between ages 10–19 years old. This article explains healthy eating for teens, including nutrient recommendations, how to build healthy meals, eating tips, and more. Plus, teens can be heavily influenced by mass media, including social media, which may have negative effects on body image, dietary intake, and more.Ĭonsidering these factors, it’s easy to understand why many teens - as well as their parents and caregivers - are unsure what constitutes a healthy diet and which foods they should regularly eat. However, following a nutritious diet that covers the body’s needs for macro- and micronutrients can be challenging for teens for many reasons, including food preferences and availability as well as social and parental influences ( 1). Plus, less healthful dietary patterns established during adolescence can increase the risk of health complications later in life ( 2, 3). To support proper growth and development, teens need a steady supply of calories and nutrients on a daily basis.Ī diet high in nutritious foods can benefit their overall health, but a diet that lacks essential nutrients or provides inadequate calorie intake can directly affect cognitive performance, mood, metabolic health, and more. From puberty through early adulthood, the body is in a stage of rapid growth.
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