A slice of cheese pizza is another good snack that will add calcium to the diet. Snacks high in fiber are also a good choice for teenagers because they stimulate salivation, which helps wash away excess sugar accumulated naturally or from such sugary snacks as candy bars. This reduces the chance of tooth decay, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. In addition to dietary fiber, these foods provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for normal growth, development and metabolism. While snacking is regarded as a potential asset to the teenager's diet, it can become a liability if it results in more calories than are needed.
Obesity often starts during the teenage years.
Changing one's snacking habits will take some getting used to. Perhaps one way to begin snacking wisely is to start with portion control. Grazing is important to today's lifestyle, says FDA nutritionist Stephenson. But snackers must be aware of the nutrition content of their snack foods, by reading labels for ingredient and nutrient content. The best low-calorie snacks are low in fat and sugar and provide nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.