Diets Recommended for Teens
Upon reaching the teenage years, a balanced diet and nutrition intake becomes one of the most important things for your body. The most vital part of a person's development occurs between the ages of 13 and 18, and the right diet will help during that growth period.
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Misconceptions
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Many believe that diets are only for those overweight. What they do not take into consideration is that anything you eat or drink is part of your overall diet. Deciding to diet and eat right does not mean that you are overweight. While many diets are focused around losing weight, an equal amount are focused around providing your body with the nutrients you need in your everyday life.
Considerations
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If you are a teenager deciding to take an active role in your body's health, there are a few things to consider:
1. Have you spoken to your physician and concluded that you are the correct weight?
2. Has your physician concluded that you are overweight?
3. Do you want to become healthier?
4. Are you dedicated to living a healthy, more active lifestyle?If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you are ready to take the next step in finding the right balanced diet for your body's needs.
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Choosing a Diet
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The key to finding the right diet is knowing yourself, your body and your eating habits. No one diet is right for everyone. Each person's body is different, so it is important to find one that fits your body's needs.
Though all diets are different, most are similar to a point. The first step in any diet is to cut out the junk food. This includes anything with a lot of caffeine, sugar, salt and fat. Examples of foods that you should avoid are:
1. Chips
2. Chocolate
3. Ice Cream
4. Fast food restaurants, such as Burger King or McDonald'sWhile the foods listed above are among the favorites of many people, the fact remains that they are not healthy. You can still treat yourself to a chocolate bar or an ice cream cone occasionally, but you should not make them part of your everyday diet.
The second step in finding the right diet is to determine what is best for your lifestyle. Whether you are overweight or not, it is best to avoid most fatty foods and substitute them with those that will provide your body with the nutrients it needs without the fat it does not. This does not mean that you should not eat certain meats because they contain a high amount of fat. Balance is imperative. You should find meats that do not contain a high amount of fat, or invest in cooking tools that will help eliminate the fat in foods.
One of the most important things to remember, however, is that any diet designed for teenagers should not cut calories down to the basics. Teenage girls need around 2,200 calories, while boys need around 3,000. It is best to avoid diets that concentrate on keeping your calories below that amount.
Healthy Food
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While it may seem difficult to cut out most of the unhealthy foods, there are substitutes available to help you convert from unhealthy eating habits to healthy ones. Two examples of these foods are frozen yogurt and reduced-fat cookies.
Aside from cutting out the junk food, you should consider what is healthy for you. Any food that is high in protein, calcium and vitamins is imperative for your diet. Some of the foods that you should eat on a regular basis are:
1. Bread or wheat products
2. Assorted fruits and nuts
3. Healthy meats, such as chicken, pork and lean beef.
4. VegetablesTo keep a balanced diet, you should have three well-rounded meals a day that include a starch, vegetables, dairy and meat. This will supply your body with the nutrients and vitamins it needs to continue growing.
Eating regularly is also a large part of a balanced diet. You should eat breakfast, lunch and dinner each and every day, as well as have a snack between each meal period to give your body the most nutrients and energy.
Benefits
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While dieting may seem difficult at first, it becomes easier as you make it part of your daily life. When you eat right and stay active, you will not only be healthier, you will feel healthier. You will find daily activities easier, whether it is walking, running, sports or simply going to school and attending classes. You will have more energy and be able to perform simple tasks with ease.
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