Diet Foods for Teens
- Dr. Ojeda says, "when choosing what types of foods a teen can eat when on a diet, there are three main concepts that should be remembered: variety, moderation and balance." It is most important, when deciding what foods you can eat, to remember to have balance. Choose foods from the three main food groups: proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
- The three main food types that you must include in your diet are proteins, carbs and fats.
Proteins are important to a diet because they contain amino acids. Amino acids make up our blood, cells and immune system. Have a protein item with each meal to ward off sugar spikes from carbohydrates and to help with cravings for other items.
Carbohydrates are known as brain food; they help to keep you awake, less moody and less groggy. Eat complex carbohydrates, and avoid the simple carbs.
Though it is a good idea to watch your fat intake, you shouldn't eliminate fat from your diet totally. This is because, Dr. Ojeda says, "fats help protect our organs, help our hair and skin to look good and help us to absorb fat-soluble nutrients." - Dr. Ojeda says that foods that a teen should eat that contain proteins are meats, poultry, eggs, fish nuts, tofu, beans, tofu and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt.
Eat complex carbs such as whole grain breads and cereals, lentils, fruits and vegetables. It is always good to snack on a piece of fruit or some raw veggies.
And even though the word fat seems to be a red flag, healthy fats occur in avocados, nuts, fish and seeds. - Dietitians say that certain proteins, such as red meat and eggs, should be eaten in moderation.
The carbs you should avoid are sweets, french fries, cookies and white bread products. Substitute whole grain bread for white bread, brown rice for white rice, wheat pasta for white pasta.
When it comes to fats, stay away from anything labeled "trans-fat" or "hydrogenated." Products that can have trans-fat in them are doughnuts, fries, most fast food restaurant products, margarine and frozen foods.