- To help teens gain autonomy while encouraging healthy choices, avoid creating "food battles."
- Limit the availability of sugary drinks and added sugar foods at home to reduce constant access.
- Treats should be occasional, not eliminated, while emphasizing the availability of healthy food options.
- Teens often have low calcium and vitamin D intake, important for supporting bone health.
- Encourage teens to regularly include high-calcium foods in their diet.
Avoiding Food Battles with Teens
When it comes to encouraging a healthy diet for your teen, modeling good choices and including them in the decision-making process are two good options.
Filomena Kersey, RDN, CD, CSO, LD, Pediatric Dietician
