Encourage them to talk with a registered dietitian or to do their own research. That s easier said than done, but here are some tips. Have a selection of nutritious snack foods on hand. Options might include sliced cheese and crackers, cut vegetables with salsa or ranch dressing or cereal with milk. Keep tortillas, low fat sandwich meat, assorted veggies and cheese in the refrigerator.
Teens can easily put together a wrap sandwich for a quick afterschool snack.
Encourage teens to eat breakfast. Yogurt, fresh fruit, a sandwich or even cold pizza are all easy breakfast choices for teens in a hurry. Keep individual 100 percent juice drinks instead of soft drinks in the refrigerator. Insist that your teen eat at least some meals with the family. Nancy Smith is a registered dietitian with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.