Healthy Diet for the Adolescent Child
Adolescence is an important formation period in a person’s life and the influence of proper diet is tremendous at this time. Children of this period generally remain busy with their studies, other activities and social participation. That is why the food intake has a great impact in life.
In adolescence both boys and girls become conscious about their weight and shape of the body. For this reason they frequently go for crash diet which leaves both immediate and long-term bad effect on them. Skipping breakfast, lunch or dinner or eating inadequate food leads them to gastroenteritis, indigestion and other problems.
Moreover the sense of independence grows in all fields whether it is food or anything in their life. Another problem is of their irregular meal time because of their overloading pressure of school and college, friends and dating. That is why they show a tendency of snacking in between meals.
The choice of food is important. Even snacks, in between meals should be wholesome and should supply all the necessary nutrients. Proper nutrition prevents many medical problems along with obesity, diabetes and frail structure.
So give your teenage children variety of foods so that they do not get bored with foods. Watch that they are doing enough exercise side by side. Encourage them in swimming or aerobics. They will surely enjoy it and will be benefited.
Supply them that diet that is low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol but have plenty of grain, vegetables and fruits. Be cautious about the intake of sugar and salt. Provide them with foods rich in iron and calcium because they need these things ardently for the growth of their body.
If you advice them to eat healthy and lead a disciplined life, they will not listen to you. They are not mere children now. Place before them your own example. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise should be the part of your whole family.
Everyone, especially the elders, should stay away from junk food, chocolate, chips and other snacks. You should encourage your children in all these. Buy low calorie, low fat meals, snacks, diet drinks and desserts for the whole family. Do not bring home high calorie desserts or snacks, chips, soft drinks or ice-cream.
If you follow this rule there will be no reason of being tense with your adolescent children’s diet.
