Greasy burger in one hand, Cheeto dust brushed across the other. Teens aren’t necessarily known for their healthy eating habits. While there are students who monitor their healthy eating levels, there are many who may not be fully aware of potential consequences.
Reports from Michigan State University show that more than 80 percent of U.S. teens follow an unhealthy diet. Based on an informal survey from 63 PRHS recipients, 54 percent of students reported that they do perhaps receive the recommended 1600-2400 calories of food per day. On the other hand 46 percent reported getting above or below this average. Based on a survey question that asked students to determine their healthy eating levels on a scale of 1-5 (5 being most healthy), the majority of 48 percent rated about a 3. 3.3 percent of students rated themselves a 1 whereas only about 5 percent of students rated a 5.
You are responsible for what you eat, so make it good
A good nutritional diet consists of a stable mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, healthy protein, healthy oils, and water. A general teen should consume around 46-58 grams of protein, 6 ounces of whole grains, 2 cups of fruits, and 2.5 cups of vegetables each day.
SERVING SIZE MINIMUMS (PER DAY)
Luke Kleinman, freshman track and cross country athlete, describes how a balanced diet is important to him as a varsity runner.
“A healthy diet for me is to have a good balance of meat, protein as well as vegetables, and fruit... I know that at least in running a good diet definitely gives you more energy. You have more speed and endurance. It just helps your overall performance” Kleinman said.
Eat healthy so you can live healthy
A good diet is the foundation for health, development, well being, and optimal growth (World Health Organization). There are many positive effects that come from a well balanced diet. Healthy nutrition keeps eyes, skin, and teeth healthy along with supporting muscle. Creates a healthy physical appearance and feel to our overall bodies. Healthy eating lowers risk of disease, and may allow for a longer life.
As the famous saying goes, “looks may be deceiving,” relates to food
Foods that look and taste good aren’t always what’s best for our bodies and or overall nutrition. Based on information from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Medical Health describes good and bad fats to be had in our diets. Unsaturated fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats lower variables in potential disease risk. However, trans fats, mostly found in processed foods, increase risk of disease even in small servings.
Sugars are a nice treat but won’t always make you feel sweet
Added sugars used in processed foods contain no nutritional values, and lead to blood levels skyrocketing. This causes increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cognitive decline. Other natural sugars found in items such as fruits or honey are higher in nutritional value in comparison to refined processed sugars.
Junior, Asyel Mendoza, describes why staying away from unhealthy food choices and keeping healthy nutrition is important.
“I believe it is important to make healthy food choices, and to keep that mindset if you’re someone who wants to remain active and healthy moving forward into adulthood. If food is going to heavily impact how I live my life, I’m going to want to focus on the best outcome for myself, ” Mendoza said.
Chemicals on your food:
Bad nutrition is one of the leading risks to obtaining the burden of disease and other negative health effects. One of the main risks is obesity and becoming overweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 42 percent of adults and 20 percent of young people ranging from ages 2-19 were found as obese from poor nutrition. Another negative effect is heart disease which is often caused by consuming too much sodium which may eventually lead to high blood pressure: “current guidelines recommend getting less than 2,300 mg a day, but Americans consume more than 3,400 mg a day on average” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Further effects of a poor nutrition plan may lead to Type 2 diabetes and Cancer. A healthy diet plan can be developed by using helpful tips by experts. Practices for eating healthy would be to cook rather than eat out, control portion sizes, and choose nutritious calories. Monitor levels, in fats, sodium, sugars, and chemicals used in processed foods.
Kleinman describes the tips he has to stay on a healthy eating track.
“I think just when you have the opportunity to eat your vegetables or something, just go for it, or whatever else there might be. And I’d say don’t overeat, like take a little break in the middle of a meal to assess yourself. See if the amount of food you have is enough, and if you need more or less” Kleinman said.
In conclusion, overall moderation in what you eat along with a balanced diet will allow for the most positive nutrition. Okay to eat your cheetos with some broccoli to balance it out.