When teens get together to eat they drive right on past the fast-food joints. Instead, more and more teens are dining on California rolls, caterpi, octopus or fresh water eel, edamame or café mochas.
But why is it important to eat healthy as opposed to dining at fast food joints? Teen Research Unlimited said more and more teens are into grownup dining trends compared to teens from generations past.
Healthy Eating Teens Just a Trend?
For some teens, you don't have to have a celebrity idol to want to do your body good. Eating healthy is something that starts at home.
"My parents introduced me to sushi when I was younger," said Nico Benedetti, 19, of Palm Springs, Calif. "I wouldn't say it's a trend if it's been taught."
Parents like it because they believe it’s helping to prepare their children for the future. When a parent starts to prepare their child at an early age, they start to develop the following eating patterns that only can be learned at home:
Healthy Eating Patterns
- Aiming for regular meals (usually 3 meals per day in the morning, afternoon, and evening) and healthy snacks (when you are hungry or need extra energy)
- Eating foods from all of the food groups (grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy proteins, and healthy fats) each day to meet your nutritional needs
- Balancing nutrient-rich foods with moderate amounts of other foods, such as sweets or fast foods
- Eating when hungry and stopping when full
- Start counting calories in food to avoid overindulgence
The Payoff
- Have energy all day
- Get the vitamins and minerals your body needs
- Stay strong for sports or other activities
- Reach your maximum height (if you are still growing)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Look and feel your age
- Get better grades because you're eating better and less tired after school
- Prevent unhealthy eating habits, like skipping meals, feeling hungry at the next meal and eating high in calorie desserts
Though for some teens, eating healthier fare doesn't replace the desire for the latest designer handbag or shoes, but it is high on the list. A lot of planning still goes into a teen’s wardrobe. Thus the reason so many teens have part-time jobs to produce disposable income so their parents don’t have to buy the hippest vintage jeans or Louis Vuitton.
So when it comes to choosing a healthier appetite over McDonald’s or Taco Bell, most teens will agree, in order for their clothes to look good in the mirror, they have to eat the right food for their body.
Source: Youngwomenshealth.org
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