Let's Start at the Very Beginning - Healthy Diet For Teenagers

The age of doldrums is what many prefer to call teenage. And it is true for more than one reason. Teenagers go through a series of physical, mental, emotional and hormonal changes which makes life for them fairly difficult. However, the complexities of the life of teenagers today is steadily becoming a cause for concern for the rest of the society.

For one, ninety percent of teenagers today suffer from poor body image. This is especially true for girls. The message that attractiveness, success and happiness depend on being thin is everywhere. Teenagers face an assault on their self-image and consequently their self-esteem almost everyday, everywhere.

The internet, and magazines all barrage these young girls and boys with images of perfection, which is closely linked with "thinness." As a result research findings reveal a shocking result. Only about fourteen percent of teenage girls are satisfied with the way they look.

More than fifty percent of teenagers today are struggling to cope with poor body image. And surprisingly despite such awareness and struggle to be the "right size", obesity among teenagers has tripled in the last ten years.

Young people are victims not only of poor self-esteem and eating disorders, but also of larger health issues. Heart attack of a fourteen year old is not shocking or surprising anymore. Therefore, now more than ever before it has become extremely important to tackle these issues on war footing.

It is important for these young people to understand and believe in the concept of a healthy diet. Especially the components of a healthy diet. So that, they are in a position to make the right and healthier choices.

Teenagers have special dietary requirements as they shoot up almost suddenly. Concentrating on eating a healthy diet during this phase will help them reap rich returns. As an adult they will enjoy good health and retain their attractiveness.

It is very important to understand that just eliminating the junk food and aerated drinks from your list of consumables is not enough to say that you are eating a healthy diet. Since the body is growing fairly rapidly at this stage there is a greater need for calcium. So, make sure milk, cheese and other calcium rich products are included in your diet.

Fruit and vegetables are a must. They are natural cures for many a problems. Girls should make sure they take an iron rich diet. While boys should take a diet that has sufficient amount of zinc. Also make sure that you have a generous amount of fluid intake.

Here are some tips for ensuring that you eat a healthy diet.

- Never skip breakfast. Your breakfast menu should include some kind of protein. This will ensure that you remain energetic throughout the day. Some complex carbohydrate and a piece of fruit. You could have fruit juice instead of fruit but, the latter is preferable.
- Lunch should again comprised of fruit, veggies, complex carbohydrates and lean protein.
- Keep loads of healthy snacks handy.
- Dinner should again have a serving of good lean protein, whole grains, a couple of vegetables and, yes you've read that right, dessert. Ideally speaking a fruit based dessert is the best.
- Avoid both diet and non-diet sodas. Cut down on your intake of fruit juices as well. Make sure that some sort of physical activity is included in your daily routine.