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. Today, more couples share in the responsibility of cooking.
Teens can also share in some of the responsibility of cooking and meal planning.
If you've been asking them to share responsibility all along, this should not be a difficult request. Asking them to plan one meal a week either alone or with one parent is a way to keep them involved in family meals. Maintain family rituals around eating. Traditions and rituals are an important part of growing up. In many families, holidays offer classic rituals which revolve around meals.