Healthy Eating for Teenagers

Why is eating well especially important for teenagers?

• They are growing and changing very quickly.

• They need more energy to play games.

• They are learning how to cook.

• They want to look good for their friends.

What can eating healthy as a teenager help prevent later in life?

• Getting bad grades.

• Becoming overweight or getting diseases like diabetes.

• Not being able to play sports.

• Having fewer friends.

What is a key difference between healthy and unhealthy foods?

• Healthy foods are always more expensive than unhealthy foods.

• Healthy foods are part of important food groups, while unhealthy foods have lots of fat and sugar but not much fiber or protein.

• Healthy foods are only eaten at home, and unhealthy foods are eaten outside.

• Healthy foods are for adults, and unhealthy foods are for kids.

How can parents help their teenagers eat better?

• Buy more sugary drinks and chips.

• Tell them to eat everything on their plate very fast.

• Slowly reduce unhealthy foods and cook more vegetables and salads.

• Let them choose whatever they want to eat for every meal.