How to Promote Healthy Eating Habits in Teens

Eating healthily is a choice that is important for not only young children and teenagers but adults as well. In fact, to establish healthy eating patterns in teens, it important for adults to assume the same practice of eating as their young children. Read more to learn how to promote healthy eating habits in teens.

Things You'll Need

• Fruits and vegetables
• Family discussions about healthy eating
• Consistency

Instructions

1. Lead by example. Provide a consistent example of good nutrition by preparing foods rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Incorporate fruits, vegetables and whole grains into every meal and snack.

2. Eat healthily as a family. Collectively choose to eliminate saturated fats, cholesterol, trans fats and high fructose corn syrup from 90% of all meals. Make a list of alternative food and snack options. Ask your teen to suggest his or her favorite fruits, nuts or low-fat dairy products for an upcoming "power breakfast" or "power lunch" you will prepare especially in his or her honor.

3. Prepare the same meal options for each member of the family. Resist the temptation to only require healthy eating habits in just small children and teens. Serve the same healthy choices to each family member to establish a unified commitment to better eating.

4. Set a goal. Decide that six days out of the week, the family will eat generally healthy meals and snacks. However, assign a seventh "off" day for a treat like pizza or an ice cream sundae. Explain that the family will still practice moderation when enjoying whatever treat is selected for the "off" day.

5. Explain the benefits of healthy eating. Educate your teens on the importance of healthy eating and the benefits of exercise. Compliments facts with real examples of how healthy eating can be beneficial. For athletic teens, emphasize how certain fruits and vegetables can increase stamina and endurance. For scholarly teens, emphasize how key vitamins and minerals promote vitality and brain function.