The proper diet for teenagers consists of a healthy mix of protein, carbohydrates and fats. To make sure you eat right, knowing what these nutrients are and where to get them is necessary.
Protein
This is needed to help you grow and stay healthy. It gives your cells the boost they need to keep blood flowing correctly. It also helps build muscles, improve skin tone and sharpen your eyes. Protein is also necessary for the heart to function normally. The brain also benefits from it.
You can get these from dairy products like cheese and eggs. It’s also available in soymilk and fish. The proper diet for teenagers should have plenty of these. Aside from the abovementioned, it’s also in beans, nuts and chicken.
Carbohydrates
You need carbohydrates to keep you going. This is your body’s source of energy. The best sources are vegetables, whole grains and fruits. These are also available in sweets like cakes and pastries.
However the carbohydrates in these sweets aren’t pure. The carbohydrate amounts aren’t just limited; they also contain lots of sugar. Too much sugar can lead to diabetes.
To get the right amount of carbohydrates, eating fruits and vegetables is necessary. Cakes and cookies are okay if eaten moderately.
Fats
The proper diet for teenagers also requires fat consumption. These help your body produce extra energy. It also acts as an insulator. Other useful functions include sending out nutrients to various areas of the body. For example, vitamins like A, E and K are sent through the proper area via fats.
In addition, fats act as shields against body trauma. It also helps the body adjust to temperature swings. However, you need to know the difference between good and bad fats.
Good Fats
Good fats are found in avocados, pumpkin seeds and fish. You can also get them in tuna, olive oil and flax oil. The most helpful of these fats are Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. A proper diet for teenagers should include them. These help prevent depression and assists in developing learning skills.
Bad Fats
These are the saturated fats and transfatty acids. They can be found in butter, meats, pork and burgers. A lot of fast / junk food contain these elements. Taken in limited amounts, they’re not so bad. But too much of it can lead to heart attacks, cancers and other life threatening diseases.
What to Eat
Breakfast is the most crucial meal of the day. Include at least one fruit or vegetable. Drinking soymilk is recommended, as is plenty of water. Eating brown rice is also a good idea as are other whole grain products. When buying food, try to avoid those that are packaged or canned. They’re not as nutritious and may contain unhealthy elements.
A good and proper diet for teenagers boils down to eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. It also means less of fatty and sweet foods. With this mix you’ll stay fit and healthy not just for the day, but for many months and years.
