What's more, teens often fail to see that achieving a more healthful and attractive physique is not measured solely by numbers on a scale. If a teen wants to lose weight, he or she should look to the Food Guide Pyramid for guidance. Even more essential is to get moving. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that eating disorders affect between one and four percent of adolescents and young adults. Yet, eating disorders are not triggered solely by the desire to be thin, according to Amy Tuttle, R.D., L.S.W., a nutrition therapist at The Renfrew Center in Philadelphia.
Vegetarianism is a growing movement in many age groups, and adolescents are no exception.
According to Jo Ann Hattner, M.P.H., R.D., a clinical nutritionist at Stanford University Medical Center, teen vegetarians face dietary dilemmas beyond those of adult vegetarians. The diets of adolescent vegetarians can be quite low in protein and trace minerals, particularly on a vegan diet. Therefore, those teens need to incorporate a variety of protein sources into their diets to get all the essential amino acids. Soy products and a variety of canned beans and peas are quick and easy ways to boost protein intake. Ms. Hattner advises teens who are considering becoming vegetarians to make an appointment with a registered dietitian to learn how to make good nutritional choices to reduce the chances of deficiencies in calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B12.