Simple steps to improving nutrition
These frightening effects of poor nutrition that are negatively impacting the lives of many Australian teenagers are caused by their lack of knowledge and low education rate of nutrition. Therefore to improve the health and nutrition of teenagers in Australia, we need to take action and educate teenagers about nutrition and the harmful effects that they are not aware of.
Step 1 to better nutrition - 5 Food Groups
One step we can take to improve teenagers nutrition is by educating them on the 'Five Food Groups' created by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. By promoting the serious consequences of poor nutrition and show examples of real life negative health effects, it could encourage teenagers to turn to the 5 food groups of guidance to start good nutrition. Making this visible by the teenage society today could remind them about a balanced diet which can improve nutrition. It is studied that to meet nutritional requirement it is recommended to consume a variety of foods from each food group for a balanced diet and receive all the nutrients and vitamins your body needs to function and keep healthy.
Step 2 to better nutrition - Dietary guidelines for adolescents
We should make these dietary guidelines brought by 'The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating' available and visible to all teenagers. This could be done by distributing posters of the dietary guidelines in shoppings centres, homes, schools, ads, media, medical facilities and in supermarkets so that parents and teenagers are constantly reminded of healthy practices they should be following. Please see below for the poster made that can be distributed to improve teenage nutrition (made by Edwina Adisusila). Parents can help by buying only fresh produce, leading by example and bringing up a child with good nutrition practices.
1. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods
2. Eat plenty of breads and cereals, vegetables (including legumes) and fruits.
3. For older children, a diet low in fat and in particular, low in saturated fat, is appropriate.
4. Encourage water as a drink. Alcohol is not recommended for people under the age of 18.
5. Eat only a moderate amount of sugars and foods containing added sugars.
6. Choose low salt foods.
7. Eat foods containing calcium.
8. Eat foods containing iron.
Step 1 to better nutrition - 5 Food Groups
One step we can take to improve teenagers nutrition is by educating them on the 'Five Food Groups' created by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. By promoting the serious consequences of poor nutrition and show examples of real life negative health effects, it could encourage teenagers to turn to the 5 food groups of guidance to start good nutrition. Making this visible by the teenage society today could remind them about a balanced diet which can improve nutrition. It is studied that to meet nutritional requirement it is recommended to consume a variety of foods from each food group for a balanced diet and receive all the nutrients and vitamins your body needs to function and keep healthy.
Step 2 to better nutrition - Dietary guidelines for adolescents
We should make these dietary guidelines brought by 'The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating' available and visible to all teenagers. This could be done by distributing posters of the dietary guidelines in shoppings centres, homes, schools, ads, media, medical facilities and in supermarkets so that parents and teenagers are constantly reminded of healthy practices they should be following. Please see below for the poster made that can be distributed to improve teenage nutrition (made by Edwina Adisusila). Parents can help by buying only fresh produce, leading by example and bringing up a child with good nutrition practices.
1. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods
2. Eat plenty of breads and cereals, vegetables (including legumes) and fruits.
3. For older children, a diet low in fat and in particular, low in saturated fat, is appropriate.
4. Encourage water as a drink. Alcohol is not recommended for people under the age of 18.
5. Eat only a moderate amount of sugars and foods containing added sugars.
6. Choose low salt foods.
7. Eat foods containing calcium.
8. Eat foods containing iron.
Step 3 to better nutrition - Introduce natural sweet foods
Teenagers sometimes don't like change in routines, or your they complain that they don't like all these healthy food steps so here are some tips for them. Eating the proper nutrients does not have to be a terrible task. There are many naturally sweet foods that taste good as an alternative. Additionally, it is possible to experiment with different food preparation techniques to find ways to enjoy healthy foods.
By introducing some of these great tasting foods that are healthy on ads and in the media, it could change teenage perspective that getting proper nutrients isn't a hard task and that healthy foods can still be tasty and enjoyable.
Here are some good portable snacks that are healthy but still taste great:
- Baby carrots
- Dried fruit
- String cheese
- Apple or orange slices
- Nuts (unsalted)
- Vegetables and dip
- Using fruits and spreads to make enjoyable snacks
If these steps are taken into consideration and actions to improve Australian teenager's nutrition
Benefits of improving teenage nutrition include,
- Give them vitality and energy for life
- Helps them stay at a healthy weight
- Boost their immune system
- Improve ability to be active/productivity
- Keep them active and fit into old age
- Enhance your ability to concentrate
Teenagers sometimes don't like change in routines, or your they complain that they don't like all these healthy food steps so here are some tips for them. Eating the proper nutrients does not have to be a terrible task. There are many naturally sweet foods that taste good as an alternative. Additionally, it is possible to experiment with different food preparation techniques to find ways to enjoy healthy foods.
By introducing some of these great tasting foods that are healthy on ads and in the media, it could change teenage perspective that getting proper nutrients isn't a hard task and that healthy foods can still be tasty and enjoyable.
Here are some good portable snacks that are healthy but still taste great:
- Baby carrots
- Dried fruit
- String cheese
- Apple or orange slices
- Nuts (unsalted)
- Vegetables and dip
- Using fruits and spreads to make enjoyable snacks
If these steps are taken into consideration and actions to improve Australian teenager's nutrition
Benefits of improving teenage nutrition include,
- Give them vitality and energy for life
- Helps them stay at a healthy weight
- Boost their immune system
- Improve ability to be active/productivity
- Keep them active and fit into old age
- Enhance your ability to concentrate