Last week our trash was filled with pizza boxes. Now I'm on a guilt trip. While fast food seems a quick fix, in the long run it sets a youngster up for a lifetime of disordered eating. Oldways is a nonprofit educational organization based in Cambridge, Mass., whose primary objective is to promote healthy eating. While adolescents have earned their status as poor eaters, these years are an optimal time to stress nutrition.
Young people care about their appearance.
They are preoccupied with how tall they will be. Many hit growth spurts from ages 10 through 15, adding three to five inches to their height. Many are into sports and working out. Once they understand that there is a connection between looking good, performing well and eating right, they will be less resistant to change bad habits. Be realistic, however, particularly if Big Macs and Slushies have been menu mainstays at your home.