Are You a Parent, Grandparent, or Caregiver of a . . . Sign up Allow for nutritional errors.
Active teenagers can eat a lot of calories, especially boys.
They have a large margin for error in regards to consuming empty calories. Because of their larger calorie need, they can eat a larger percentage of nutritionally worthless food and still get most of their basic nutrients if some of the food they eat is nutritious. This does not mean a free license to eat junk food, but parents need to have a relaxed attitude about their teen eating fast foods with friends or pounding down a candy bar at lunch. Allow teens to cook and menu plan. With more working couples getting a home cooked meal on the table can be a challenge.