Kids and Nutrition

Although many teenagers feel and act like young adults, their bodies are still growing. They need to eat nutritious food to become healthy adults. But, it's almost impossible to get todays' teens to eat healthy. In fact, many of them can't even say what protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fiber or fats are or why they are important. They have no idea which foods contain which nutrients, or how much is needed for a healthy, balanced diet.

Most teenagers will say they know things like potato chips, candy, cookies, ice-cream, soda pop and fast foods are "bad for you". Unfortunately, these foods are exactly what teenagers like best and eat most often.

Often, teenagers associate "good for you" with "tastes bad". As a child, many were told to eat things they didn't like (brussel sprouts, spinach, liver) because it was "good for you". Also, because teens are often on the go and don't want to take time to stop and eat a well balanced meal, they tend to grab something that is quick and easy and tastes good. As a result, they often get too many calories and not enough important nutrients.

Healthy eating begins in childhood. Parents can help their children develop and maintain healthy eating habits. Following are some suggestions.

• Explain the importance of good nutrition, in terms the child can understand. (It may help to use compare the body to a machine that needs the right kind of fuel and care to keep working.)
• Set a good example. Serve and eat nutritious, well balanced meals.
• Allow children to help in meal planning and preparation. Children can learn about nutrition as they go. Try new recipes and find things that everyone likes. Healthy food doesn't have to taste bad. Also, children enjoy eating something they helped make.
• Don't force children to eat foods they don't like. (of course, they must taste it in order to decide they don't like it.)
• Establish a family rule that a certain amount of the meal must be eaten in order to get dessert or treats later. For example, if a child doesn't like a particular vegetable, he or she must still eat the meat and potatoes before getting dessert or treats.
• Always keep a supply of healthy snacks, such as fruit, raw vegetables, nuts, etc. Don't buy junk foods, or have it available.

For assistance with your behavioral health needs, call the Trinity Child and Adolescent Program at (515) 574-6596.

This article was written by Pam Lehman, a counselor with the Trinity Recovery Center at Trinity Regional Hospital. Pam has a Master of Science degree in counseling.