3 Healthy Eating Habits for Teens

Healthy eating habits for teens are very vital as they are at a crucial stage in their life.

The teenage years can be a difficult time for teens and their parents. Teens are going through so many changes physically, mentally and socially. One of the most important things to remember is that teens need healthy food choices in order to help them grow strong, physically and mentally. They are transitioning from childhood to adulthood; they need more guidance than ever about how to make the best decisions for themselves. It’s important that for parents/caregivers to start by letting your teens know that it’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay not to be perfect, and help them build good habits early on so as to avoid dealing with these issues later.

Following these three tips, your teen will be one step closer to becoming an independent adult who knows how to take care of themselves well.

1) Eat Breakfast

Eating breakfast is the best way to start the day for teens. The first meal of the day should be nutritious and filling, giving you energy for your morning activities. In fact, research has shown that eating high-quality proteins at breakfast leads to better cognitive functioning in children by lunchtime! More so, adding fresh fruits with breakfast like watermelon or bananas provide high levels of energy. In addition, when eaten first thing in the morning which will prepare kids’ brains for learning throughout their day at school! Plus it helps cut down on sugar cravings later during the course of their busy schedules.

2) Drink Water

Drinking water is important for teens because are at risk for dehydration, which is a serious condition. The importance of a teen drinking water daily can’t be stressed enough. Drinking the recommended amount of eight 8 ounce glasses per day will keep your body hydrated, which is important for maintaining good health. Dehydration may make you feel tired and lightheaded because it impacts concentration levels and causes headaches. As well, it slows metabolism! It is important for Teens to stay properly hydrated because helps prevent kidney stones which is pass through your urinary system. This also reduces pain associated with passing small amounts urine frequently without noticing too much discomfort.

3) Limit your intake of sugar and processed foods

Teens limiting your intake of sugar and processed foods is important and healthy. Processed food can lead to a lot more weight gain than natural, unprocessed foods because they typically have high levels of calories from fat or refined carbs with little nutritional value. As teens grow up, it becomes harder and even scarier for some people (especially those who are predisposed) to maintain the same body type that they had in high school due to hormonal changes caused by puberty; this makes dieting an important factor into maintaining your ideal self-image.

The challenge of getting your teen to eat healthy can seem daunting and overwhelming. It’s important that you start by letting them know that it’s okay not to be perfect. Help them build good habits early on so they don’t have to deal with these issues later in life. If you need more guidance in teaching a teenager about living healthier, please contact me for an appointment or consultation.

Emem Iniobong is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor that helps children, teens, young adults, parents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.