subject: A Healthy Back-to-school Diet Teens Can Live By [print this page] Written by Chicagohealers.com practitioner DrWritten by Chicagohealers.com practitioner Dr. Melody Hart~
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology, between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. Additionally, obesity costs U.S. citizens an estimated $100 billion a year.
A healthy diet for teens is essential to keep stress under control, increase energy and maintain mental processing and health. With school starting this month, unnecessary stress can build up and it is important to pay special attention to a teens diet.
The benefits of a healthy diet help to keep a teens blood sugar levels balanced which, in turn, affects the mood and how the body functions. By eating certain foods, a teen can balance the serotonin levels in the brain, promoting sharp mental processing and an elevated mood.
People may notice that their mood feels more intense at certain times of the day, especially before meals. The foods you eat affect mood, mental functioning, energy and stress levels.
Try these eating tips for keeping your teen healthy and happy:
Eat Your Meat! Protein from lean meats such as turkey and chicken are a good source of amino acids, which produce healthy serotonin levels and aid in memory function.
Keep Carbs Simple Whole grains such as wheat bread, oatmeal and brown rice are rich in vitamin B and folate, a mineral known to increase attention span.
Stay Hydrated By drinking water throughout the day, teens are less likely to lose energy and maintain healthy skin and joints.
Fat Can be Your Friend! Omega 3 and Omega 9 fats, which are found in olives, almonds, avocados and salmon can help teens focus and decrease risks for cardiovascular problems and strokes later in life
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