
Balanced Diet Chart For Teenagers
Age | Water (serves) |
4-8 | 1-1.2L (approx. 5 glasses) |
9-13 | 1.4-1.6L (approx. 5 to 6 glasses) |
14-18 | 1.6-2L (approx.5 to8 glasses) |
What is the best weight loss diet for teens?
- Lose the soda. Swap those calorie-heavy drinks, including juices and sports drinks, for good old water or low-fat milk.
- Make vegetable and fruits easy snack choices. Keep them clean, cut, and waiting in the front of the fridge so they're easy to see and eat. ...
- Encourage breakfast every day. ...
- Don't keep junk food in the house. ...
- Eat at home. ...
What is the best diet for teens?
- Iron: This helps the body grow and is vital for energy and focus, the immune system, and regulation of body temperature.
- Protein: Protein is also vital for growth as the body uses it to build and repair cells and tissues. ...
- Calcium: This helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. ...
- Vitamin D: This helps keep bones and teeth healthy. ...
What is healthy eating plan for teens?
- Eat 3 meals a day, with healthy snacks.
- Increase fiber in the diet and decrease the use of salt.
- Drink water. ...
- Eat balanced meals.
- When cooking for your adolescent, try to bake or broil instead of fry.
- Make sure your adolescent watches (and decreases, if necessary) his or her sugar intake.
- Eat fruit or vegetables for a snack.
What are healthy lifestyle tips for teenagers?
Things to consider
- Keep a food journal. Track what you eat, how much, when, and why.
- Keep an activity log. ...
- Eat at the kitchen table. ...
- Put workouts on your calendar so you keep them. ...
- Set goals you can achieve. ...
- Eat only when you’re hungry. ...
- Try not to overeat. ...
- Shop for groceries on a full stomach. ...
- Be smart about what you drink. ...
- Choose water or low- or no-calorie drink options. ...

What are the 10 best foods for a teenager to eat?
What to eatfruit and vegetables.potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates.beans, pulses, fish, eggs and other proteins.dairy and alternatives.oils and spreads.
Why is it important for a teenager to have a balanced diet?
Teens need extra nutrients to support bone growth, hormonal changes and organ and tissue development, including the brain. Teens should eat breakfast, drink water and limit highly processed food, sugary drinks and eating out. Healthy eating habits and physical activity can help lower the risk of obesity.
What do mean by balanced diet?
A balanced diet is a diet that contains differing kinds of foods in certain quantities and proportions so that the requirement for calories, proteins, minerals, vitamins and alternative nutrients is adequate and a small provision is reserved for additional nutrients to endure the short length of leanness.
How can a teen maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Building Healthy Habits. Choose healthy foods. Your food is your fuel for your body and brain, so pick good fuel! Minimize eating food with lots of sugar, salt, and processed trans fat – stay away from fast food, fried food, junk food from the snack aisle like potato chips, canned and processed food, and pastries.
How much vegetables should a teenager eat?
A balanced diet for your teenager must include vegetables. They provide vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber. The USDA, in their "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005," recommends that both teens and adults get at least five servings of vegetables per day. A serving is about a half cup of hard vegetables, like carrot sticks, or a whole cup of leafy vegetables, like salad greens. A variety of vegetables is best, whether they are tomatoes on hamburgers or spinach in a salad.
What is a balanced diet for a teenager?
Eating the proper balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and calcium-rich foods helps him stay healthy. Your teenager's balanced diet will contain greater amounts of some foods than your diet.
What to eat when a teenager is a teenager?
They provide fiber, B vitamins and energy to a growing teenager. Your teenager may dislike whole grain products, but a good rule of thumb is to make half of her grains whole. This means that she can still have her pizza, but eat her sandwiches on whole-grain bread.
How much grain should a teenager eat a day?
Depending on your teenager's age, she may need between 6 and 11 oz. of grains per day. Whole grains are an important part of your teenager's balanced diet. Your teenager may dislike whole grain products, but a good rule of thumb is to make half of her grains whole.
Why is calcium important for teens?
Calcium is essential for your teenager in order to have strong bones. Teenagers' requirement for calcium is higher now than at any other time in their lives, according to recommendations from the Institute of Medicine. Calcium foods include low-fat milk and low-fat milk products, like cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt.
How to help a teenager stay healthy?
Fruits contribute vitamins, minerals and fiber to your teenager's balanced diet. Three to four medium pieces of fruit a day should be enough to help a teen stay healthy.
What is the best source of iron for teenagers?
The best sources of iron are animal foods, particularly lean red meats. About 6 oz. of protein foods a day provides the protein that your teenager needs. Proteins are essential for your teenager's growing body. The best sources of iron are animal foods, particularly lean red meats.
What do teenagers eat?
During teenage years, teenagers start experimenting with food. And they are tempted to eat processed and fried food such as burgers, pizzas, fries, etc. These can do nothing to improve their quality of life. Actually, they are full of unhealthy fat, sugar, and salt.
Why is it important to eat healthy for teenagers?
But a balanced diet is particularly important for teenagers. As your body continues to grow, you must consume enough good-quality food and the right kind of food to fulfill your energy and nutrient needs.
Is it bad for teens to eat sugary food?
Empty calories from sugary dishes or sodas provide zero nutrients. Yes, calories are required for energy. But it’s bad for your teen when they lack nutritional value. It contributes to a lack of concentration and can make their schoolwork suffer. Instead, feed their minds and bodies properly with nutritious food.
How to maintain a balanced diet for teenagers?
To maintain a balanced diet for teenagers one must follow a few daily routines to be healthy when you are on a diet. Here is the balanced diet chart for teenagers to be fit and healthy when you are on the diet. Start your day with drinking water: As said in this article above water is very essential either you are on diet or not.
What age should I eat chapatti?
Here is the balanced diet plan for girls and boys with the required number of minerals depending upon age. Diet Age. 13 – 15 Years. 16 – 18 Years.
How to get a balanced diet chart for teens?
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How to be healthy as a teenager?
Exercise regularly: Exercises are very good for health. One must opt for this habit whether they are on a diet or not. Exercises like yoga, running, jogging, gym, breathing exercises; meditation will also help in reducing weight and maintains the diet. Best Health Tips for teenage girls.
What is the saying "eat like a king"?
There is a saying Eat like a king in your breakfast. Eat more food in the morning. Choose whole grains, cereals, milk, fruit juices, pieces of bread for your breakfast menu. Lunch should be eaten within the limit and add vitamin content food more in lunch.
Why is it important to eat healthy for teens?
The best diet for teens to support growth, energy, and health. Good nutrition is especially important during adolescence. As the body is rapidly growing and changing, it is important to supply teens with adequate nutrients to support their development. A healthy diet is important at any age, but it is particularly important for teens.
Why is it important to encourage teens to eat a balanced diet?
It is important to foster a positive relationship with food and encourage teens to eat a balanced diet with various foods rich in macronutrients and micronutrients. Encouraging a nutritious and healthy lifestyle in the teenage years will likely reinforce positive behaviors that may continue into adulthood.
What nutrients do teens need?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases (NIDDK), important nutrients for teens include: Iron: This helps the body grow and is vital for energy and focus, the immune system, and regulation of body temperature.
Why is nutrition important for teens?
for keeping people healthy, and it is critical for growth and development. As teens grow and become more responsible for decisions about their body and health, it is important for them to understand how their body works and what fuel it requires.
Why is it important to avoid disordered eating?
Avoiding disordered eating. Summary. Good nutrition is especially important during adolescence. As the body is rapidly growing and changing, it is important to supply teens with adequate nutrients to support their development. A healthy diet is important at any age, but it is particularly important for teens.
How many fruits and vegetables should teens eat a day?
Teens should also try to incorporate 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables a day, as they are a good source of minerals and vitamins. If hungry between meals, teens can also try to snack responsibly by eating fruits, nuts, cottage cheese, or yogurts. Teens should also be aware of portion sizes.
What is the second largest period of growth?
After infancy, adolescence is the second largest period of growth the body experiences. As teens are growing and undergoing puberty, their bodies require more energy and nutrients. Trusted Source. to support this growth and development. As such, it is likely that their appetite will significantly increase.
How many calories are in a 3,200 calorie diet?
For a 2,400-calorie diet, that means getting 720 calories from fat, and for a 3,200-calorie diet, it's 960 calories . Fat has 9 calories per gram, meaning 720 calories equals 80 grams of fat, and 960 calories is 107 grams of fat. Good sources of fats include olive oil, oily fish like salmon, mixed nuts and seeds and avocados.
How many carbs should a teenager eat a day?
Counting Carbs. The minimum amount of carbohydrate a teenager should look to consume each day is 130 grams. For teenagers who are highly active, or involved in sports, however, the diet should consist of between 45 percent and 65 percent of total calories from carbohydrate.
How many calories should a 14 year old girl eat?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that girls between 14 and 18 years old eat between 1,800 and 2,400 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight. Boys in this age category need slightly more, with 2,000 to 3,200 calories daily.
Why is nutrition important for teenagers?
Nutrition during teenage years is of paramount importance because good nutrition aids growth, development and learning. While teenagers should avoid restrictive diets, or those that limit certain food groups or macronutrients, eating a healthy diet with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats is key.
How much protein should a teenager consume?
Moving On to Protein. Young teenagers should look to consume around 0.5 gram of protein per pound of body weight, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. For older teenagers, however, the needs aren't quite so high.
What to eat for lunch?
A good lunch might include a peanut butter and banana sandwich made with 2 to 3 tablespoons of peanut butter and one banana on two slices of whole-wheat bread. Complete this meal with 1 cup of nonfat yogurt and 1 to 2 cups of cut-up veggies such as carrots, celery and peppers with low-fat salad dressing. Another healthy option is 1 to 2 cups of mixed salad greens topped with 1 to 2 ounces of diced chicken breast, 1/2 ounce of walnuts and 1/2 cup of sliced grapes with low-fat balsamic dressing. Round this meal out with 1 1/2 ounces of low-fat cheddar cheese with five whole-grain crackers and a small apple.
What are some good snacks for teens?
Good snacks for teens include 1/2 to 1 cup of grapes with 1/2 ounce of almonds, 3 to 6 cups of popcorn with 1 cup of nonfat milk or 2 cups of leafy greens topped with 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/2 ounce of sunflower seeds, vinegar and oil.
How many calories should a 16 year old eat?
Calorie needs for teens 14 to 16 years old vary depending on gender and activity, and range from 1,600 to 3,200 calories a day . Your pediatrician can help you determine your teen's calorie needs. Based on these calorie levels, teens in this age group need 5 to 10 ounces of grains -- with at least half of them whole grains, 2 to 4 cups of vegetables, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups of fruit, 3 cups of dairy and 5 to 7 ounces of protein each day.
What to eat for a 16 year old?
Fourteen to 16-year-olds might enjoy tacos made with 2 to 3 ounces of lean ground turkey stuffed into a whole-wheat tortilla with 2 ounces of low-fat cheese, 1/2 to 1 cup of brown rice, 1/4 cup of black beans and 1 to 2 cups of steamed broccoli. For vegetarians, make a meatless stir-fry with 1 to 2 cups of mixed veggies -- Chinese cabbage, carrots and snow peas -- and 2 to 3 ounces of firm tofu lightly sauteed with 1/2 to 1 cup of buckwheat noodles, ginger, sesame oil and low-sodium soy sauce.
What is a good breakfast for a teen?
A good breakfast for a teen might include 1 to 2 ounces of whole-grain ready-to-eat cereal with 1 cup of nonfat milk and 1 cup of watermelon.
What is the best way to get bone growth?
Another option might be a fruit smoothie made with 1/2 cup of strawberries, 1/2 cup of blueberries and one container of low-fat Greek yogurt blended with ice and served with a 1- to 2-ounce whole-wheat bagel. Milk and yogurt are good sources of calcium, which is important for bone growth.
What should teens not eat?
This includes foods such as soda, candy, cake, cookies, chips, doughnuts, ice cream and fast food. Advertisement.
What age do girls get anemia?
Under nutrition is very common if children do not eat proper nutritious balanced meal. Anemia is also common in girls as menstruation gets started during age of 11 to 13, so it is important to incorporate those foods in their diet which are rich in iron. Supplements of folic acid and iron can also be helpful.
What are the benefits of eating peanuts?
Peanuts are good source of energy. It not only contains high amount of protein but also has oleic acid which is a monounsaturated fatty acids. Children can be given peanuts in many ways. Peanut butter, peanut chikki, roasted peanut and peanut bar are some good options for them. Peanut also contains fair amount of vitamin B5, iron, potassium, zinc and selenium. It is also rich in antioxidants like p-coumaric acid. One more important component present in peanut is Resveratrol. Over consumption can cause GI infection but moderate consumption of peanuts is healthy.
What are the nutrients in eggs?
Eggs are considered to be good source of protein. Eggs contain all the nine essential amino acids which cannot be synthesized by our body.The other nutrient present in egg are vitamin B12, vitamin D and vitamin B6. The mineral content which is very high in this super food are selenium, Iron and zinc. Now a days some eggs also contain omega 3 fatty acids. Egg contains high amount of cholesterol, so it is not advisable to eat too many egg yolks, if the person is having high cholesterol. Teenagers and adolescent can consume 2 whole eggs per day as their growing body require more nutrients. Eggs are a good source of vitamin D which helps to prevent rickets among children.
What is the transition from infant to childhood?
The transition from infant to childhood and then to teenage is very crucial. The nutritional requirement changes with the rapid physical growth. The body needs more calories during this phase of life.
Why is it important to eat healthy?
As we all know that healthy diet plays very important role in making us fit. Healthy food not only satisfies our hunger but it also helps to keep us away from many diseases.
Is yogurt good for kids?
Greek yogurt contains good amount of probiotics. There are some good bacteria which helps in our digestion and improves our gut health. They also helps to distress ourselves. Greek yogurt also contains good amount of calcium which is very necessary for growing child. The other necessary nutrient is vitamin B12 which is available in yogurt. Vegetarian people lack vitamin B12 because the vitamin is mostly found in animal products like meat and eggs. One more interesting fact is Greek yogurt contains good amount of potassium. If you want to serve some healthy desert to your kid, you can simply add variety of fruits in Greek yogurt.
Who is Pranita Gupta?
Ms. Pranita Gupta is Post Graduate in Home science with specialization in Foods and Nutrition. She has worked with VLCC and Personal Point as a Dietician. She has also worked with Corporates as a Nutritional Consultant. Currently she is working with Ananta Wellness. She believes in healthy cooking and positive approach towards healthy lifestyle.
