How to Promote Healthy Eating Habits in Teens

All teenagers go through a period in which they are very susceptible to new thoughts, ideas and activities. Their bodies are also going through a transition from child to adult and need proper nutrition and support to help with the changes. Because healthy habits for life are often began during this period of life, it is extremely important that healthy eating habits are promoted among teens. 

• Talk with your teenagers. While school teaches English, history, math and science skills, most teenagers are not exposed to healthy eating tips unless they explicitly take a nutrition course. A conversation can expose them to the importance of healthy eating and teach them how to avoid unhealthy foods.   


• Give them choices. Many teenagers feel like their freedoms are compromised if you tell them what to do. If you present them with several healthy snacks, they may be more inclined to eat them if they have a choice.


• Let them try new healthy foods. Fast food and junk food are heavily marketed to teens online, on television and in magazines. Exposing them to alternative foods that are much healthier may result in them discovering a love for a food they never knew existed.   


• Have others share their experiences with your teens. Meeting someone who has suffered a heart attack or has had an eating disorder makes the risks of unhealthy eating much more real. While reading about a health condition can make it seem distant and unreal, a person can answer their questions directly and can be a real eye opener.


• Explain the consequences of unhealthy eating. Sometimes it is necessary to scare teens into making healthy decisions.  If possible, show them pictures or take them to a university where they can look inside a body to see the true effects of unhealthy diets.