Top-Rated Free Essay
Preview

Teen Diet and Nutrition

Better Essays
2305 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Teen Diet and Nutrition
Teen Diet and Nutrition Nutrition is important for everyone. The bottom line is, nutrition provides our bodies with energy to function. Nutrition makes major parts of the human body function and work properly, such as the brain and muscles. Nutrition also helps the body be more coordinated. Good nutrition contributes to everything that human beings do; the human body cannot function without it, and would not run well without good nutrition. Nutrition is vital for everyone but it is especially crucial for teenagers. Nutrition is especially important for teenagers because the teenage years are a critical growth period for boys and girls as they are becoming more adult like. During the teenage years, the person’s body is growing significantly and changing. The body change in many aspects and the spectrum of changes are large. From bone growth to hormonal changes the body changes in many ways. Good nutrition can help teenagers in two major aspects: Achieve optimal growth and reduce the risk of developing chronic disease such as diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Developing Healthy Dietary Patterns Most Teenagers know they should eat healthy yet when it comes down to implementing this knowledge there is no action. Many teens do not know where to begin or how much of what types of food they should consume. Health Canada is the federal government of Canada that is responsible for helping Canadian citizens maintain and improve their health. In order to carry this out and make information accessible to many people, Health Canada created The Canadian Food Guide. Canada’s Food Guide defines healthy eating and helps Canadians consume the healthy components of food that is best for the body. The Food Guide translates the science of nutrition and health into healthy eating patterns. By following Canada’s Food Guide, people will be able to meet their nutritional needs and reduce the risk of obesity and other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer and osteoporosis. By following the Food Guide many will obtain knowledge of good nutrition to feed and fuel their bodies and help them cross the bridge from knowledge to action. The guide indicates what amount of food people need and what type of food is needed in order to obtain the nutrients that the human body needs to function efficiently. The guide describes how many food guide servings you need from each of the four groups on a daily basis. The four food groups are vegetables and fruits, grain products, milk and milk alternatives and lastly meat and meat alternatives.

Having the amount and type of food recommended and following the tips in Canada’s Food Guide will help:  Meet your need for vitamins, minerals and other nutrients  Reduce the risk of obesity and other health conditions/diseases  Contribute to your overall well-being, health and vitality The Canadian Food Guide is broken up into six categories’ and within each category is the recommended amount and type of food needed for optimal health. Bread, Cereal, Rice and Pasta 6-11 servings These foods are a part of the grain product group. They provide complex carbohydrates, which are important sources of energy; these foods also provide vitamin B, minerals and fiber. Fruits 3 servings Fruits are rich sources of vitamins, most commonly vitamin C. They are also low in fat and calories. To receive the most amounts of nutrients from fruits it is best to avoid processed fruit with heavy syrups and sugar-sweetened juices. The best choice to obtain the maximum amount of nutrients is to select fresh fruits and fruit juices and frozen, canned or dried fruits. Vegetables 3-5 servings Vegetables provide vitamins (especially A and C) and are excellent sources of fiber and they are naturally low in fat. To obtain the maximum amount of nutrients, it is best to select dark leafy greens, deep-yellow or orange vegetables and starchy vegetables like patties and yams. Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese 2-4 servings Milk, yogurt and cheese are a part of the milk and alternatives group. Milk products are the richest sources of calcium and they also provide proteins and vitamins B12.

Meat, Dry Beans, Eggs and Nuts 2-3 servings Meats, beans, eggs and nuts are a part of the meat and alternative group. Animals (meat) are the main sources of proteins, iron, zinc and vitamin B. Beans, nuts, and seeds are an alternative to obtaining proteins, iron, zinc and vitamin B without the consumption of meats. Tofu (made from soybeans) and white beans also supply calcium. Some seeds, like almonds, are good sources of vitamin E. Fats, Oils and Sweets It is recommend to use fats, oils and sweets sparingly. These foods provide calories, but little other nutritional benefits. Exceptions are vegetable oil, which is a rich source of vitamin E and molasses, is an excellent source of iron. Following the Canadian Food Guide can have many benefits such as:     Overall better health More Energy Lower risk of disease Body becomes stronger (example: stronger muscles and bones)

Nutrition for Teens Good nutrition can stabilize a teenager’s energy, sharpen their minds and even help even out their moods. However, eating healthy can be tough. Many adults find it difficult to eating healthy and consuming good nutrition difficult and it can be even more challenging for a teenager. After all, many teens are busier with things such as education (schooling), part-time jobs and various other activities such as sports. Eating well-balanced and healthy meals is not always high on the priority list. For many teens nutrition consists of what can be eaten quickly or in the car, shuttling from various activities. Often time’s teenagers will go for meals, snacks, or food that will quickly satisfy their hunger and provide a quick amount of energy. The problem with this however is that these kinds of food most of the time provide little nutritional benefits and although they provide energy, the energy does not last long. This can cause ill effects on the body. While the effects many not show up now, eventually poor eating patterns will catch up with the person. In fact, many teens show the effects of poor eating patterns now, even though they may not know it.

The Effects of Poor Teen Nutrition Between the ages 13 to 19, teenagers grow rapidly and have some special nutritional needs. This means that specific nutrients are especially important during the teenage years. Health Canada places emphasis on the fact that teens should be following the guidelines outlined in the Canadian Food Guide. For example, the Canadian Food Guide outlines the kinds of food a person should be consuming in order to receive a good amount of iron and calcium. Iron and calcium are extremely important because these nutrients play a role in teen development. Lack of iron can lead to anemia and sluggish (lacking energy, alertness) feeling throughout the day. This negatively affects alertness at school, work and even during other activities such as sports. Calcium is important as well especially for future health. The teen years are ideal for building bone mass with the help of calcium. Brittle bones can cause problems in the future such as osteoporosis and other health problems that result from lack of calcium during the teenage years. The effects of regularly consuming junk food such as fast foods, chips, soda etc. are the following:      Increased risk of heart disease Risk of becoming obese now or later on in life Some cancers that are related to excess fat and sugar intake Greater chance of diabetes later in life Increased tendency towards hypertension (high blood pressure)

Sources of Nutrients There are many sources of proper nutrients available to teenagers. Abundant amount of information is available through the Internet, magazines and television. A large amount of these proper nutrients can be found through the Canadian Food Guide. For instance, eating fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium and dark green vegetables are good sources of iron including certain meats. All of these are listed on the Food Guide along with the amount and type of food for an adequate amount of nutrition.

The issue however lies in the fact that many teenagers do not pay much attention to the Canadian Food Guide. Many teenagers are missing nutrients needed for optimal health and opportunity for their bodies to perform to the best of their abilities. The Experiment The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether the teenagers/students attending the high school Kings Christian Collegiate have good dietary patterns and follow the recommended food intake of the Food Guide. Materials The materials used to conduct this experiment were surveys with a series of questions asking the person what their dietary patterns were. Listed below is the survey used in conducting the experiment. Diet, Nutrition and Eating Behaviour Survey 1. Are you male or female? Yes No

2. Your meals are usually?    Home-cooked with protein, vegetables and grain products Take-out Microwave Meal

3. How often do you eat fruits and vegetables?     Regularly Occasionally Hardly Not at all/never

4. How often do you eat whole grain products?    On a daily basis Occasionally Hardly



Not at all/never

5. How often do you consume meat?     Everyday Occasionally Hardly Never

6. Of the meat that you do consume is it mostly:    Red Meat (Beef) Lean Meat (Chicken) Fish

7. Do you often consume meat alternatives (beans, tofu, eggs etc.)? Yes No

8. How often do you have milk or milk products?     Daily Weekly Occasionally Never

9. Out of the 4 Canadian Food Groups what do you mostly consume?     Meat/meat alternatives Vegetables and Fruits Grain Products Milk/Milk Products

10. Do you often eat salty food? Yes No

11. Do you often consume oily or sweet food? Yes No

12. How many servings of calcium rich food do you consume? (Milk, yogurt, cheese, and calcium fortified juices or cereals)      Hardly or Occasionally 1 serving 2 to 3 servings 3 to 4 servings Never

13. Do you often consume rich in Iron? (Legumes/beans, vegetables such as spinach, kale, or collards) Yes No

14. Do you regularly skip meals? Yes No

15. If you regularly skip meals the meal you tend to skip the most is:    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

16. When you/ if you regularly skip meals do you tend to feel more hungry and feel as though you lack energy? Yes No

17. Do you often consume snacks throughout the day? Yes No

18. What do you snacks mostly consist of? (Write answer in the blank space provided)

Methodology The findings were obtained through the surveys. In ordering the proposals, surveys were handed out to 50 students. It was then split up into males and females and female students filled out 25 surveys and male students filled out 25 surveys. Safety In order to ensure safety of those involved in the experiment the survey was conducted on school ground during school hours. The survey was not taken outside of the school premises and only those attending the high school Kings Christian Collegiate participated in the experiment.

Observations Surveys regarding diet, nutrition and eating patterns were commissioned to fifty students that attend Kings Christian Collegiate. Of the fifty surveys that were handed out to the participants it was separated into male and female. Twenty-five females completed a set of surveys and twenty-five males completed a set of surveys. The results were examined and the results obtained showed that 16 out of 25 males were following the recommended food intake of the Canadian Food Guide and 19 out of 25 females were exhibited good dietary patterns and were following the recommended food intake outlined by the Canadian Food Guide. Number of Surveys Issued 25 Gender: Male 16 males exhibit dietary patterns Gender: Female good 19 females exhibit good dietary patterns

Analysis Sources of Error The possible sources of error lie in the vary survey given to participants. The findings obtained were considered and in examining the results, it was acknowledged that the results could be inaccurate. It is highly possible that some of the students participating in the experiment could have been dishonest about their answers while completing the survey. Discussion The results obtained from the female students that had participated in the experiment indicate that the percentage of the female student body at Kings Christian Collegiate is health conscious. Seventy-six percent of the females that participated in the experiment exhibited eating patterns that followed the tips outlined in the Canadian Food Guide. The results obtained from the male students that had participated in the experiment indicated that the percentage of the male student body attending Kings

Christian Collegiate is less health conscious than the females attending the school. Sixtyfour percent of the males that had participated in the experiment did not follow eating patterns that followed the tips outlined in the Canadian Food Guide. These results show that in general the females attending the school are healthier than the males. Of course it is taken into account that not every student attending the high school was surveyed while conducting the experiment. Of the people that were surveyed it was shown that females tended to consume more fruits (particularly as snacks) dairy and grain products. Males tended to consume more meat as a part of their meals during the week and less vegetables and fruits. Practical application

Taking this information it can be applied to already existing eating patterns. For example, the males tended to consume more meat on a weekly basis and less vegetables and fruits. Males can start the practice of consuming less meat on a daily basis and have it 2-3 times a week. Males can also incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Having a healthy diet and getting the right nutrition is essential for the growth of children’s development years. This helps children become physically strong, healthy and also the brain can reach its full potential, eating healthy can reduce the risk of diseases and vitamin deficiencies. It is important children eat healthy fresh food and not processed foods as they have high levels of salt, fat and sugar and this can lead to obesity.…

    • 3160 Words
    • 13 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    Hesi study

    • 2971 Words
    • 12 Pages

    Good nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development and influences disease prevention in later life…

    • 2971 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    meal an snack assigment

    • 1626 Words
    • 7 Pages

    In order to feel well and to be able to function properly, our bodies need fuel. Eating healthily is one of the most important ways in which wecan help ourselves be well and fit. Food provides us with energy for physical movement and to maintain body temperature while also providing materials for the growing body cells. Food can also help to replace and repair damaged body tissues. Children need to correct balance of food and nutrients in order to grow and develop properly. Nurtruients –vitamins, minerals and protein, mixed with fibres ( without lots of salt and sugar ) means that the body gets the right amount of healthy foods. By introducing your child to a varity of foods at a young age the child is more likely to have a healthy outlook and lifestyle on foods and be able to have bringht, healthy furture.…

    • 1626 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    In order to feel well and to be able to function properly, our bodies need fuel. Eating healthily is one of the most important ways in which we can help ourselves to be well and fit. Food provides us with energy for physical movement and to maintain body temperature while also providing materials for the growing body cells. Food can also help to replace and repair damaged body tissues. Children need the correct balance of food and nutrients in order to grow and develop properly. Nutrients – vitamins, minerals and protein, mixed with fibers (without lots of salt and sugar) means that the body gets the right amount of healthy foods. By introducing your child to a variety of foods at a young age means that the child is more likely to have a healthy outlook on foods and be able to have a bright, healthy future.…

    • 1143 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Topic 3 Fri DQ 2

    • 563 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Although we already know it is essential to eat a healthy diet, we may find it more challenging to sort through all of the information about nutrition and food choices. Nutrition is the provision to cells and organisms of the materials necessary (in the form of food) to support life. Healthy eating helps prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure and helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Many people today in America are malnourished and it is mostly due to indulging in unhealthy/poor dietary intake. These problems can be controlled by utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to public education. The doctors, social workers, nurses, dieticians and other health educators involved in health promotion should all have a part in ensuring and promoting healthy dietary intake with appropriate food portions and increasing physical activity.…

    • 563 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Good nutrition and a balanced diet help children to grow up healthy. Children and young people need to be taught about eating healthily.…

    • 3460 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    What a child eats also plays a big part in a child’s development both in a physical and mental way. Calcium, protein and fats are all essential in a child’s diet to help them grow. When a child starts school it becomes more difficult from a parents prospective to supervise what children are eating especially in children of high school age, too much sugary and fatty foods can lead to children becoming over weight and lacking in energy. It is important for schools to take an active approach in what children are allowed to eat when possible.…

    • 430 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Political Party Project

    • 1421 Words
    • 6 Pages

    * To encourage more Canadians to have more healthy habits through Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Awareness and Education Initiative.…

    • 1421 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Three Day Food Intake

    • 855 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Healthy eating is important to the human body. Healthy eating provides the body with nutrients and energy to help the body function properly. Nutrients provide the body energy to keep the brain cells active, the heart pumping, and the muscle flexible. Nutrients also help to build strong bones, enhance the circulatory system, and other bodily functions. Healthy dieting means to consume all food groups so the diet can have a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, meats, bean, and oils. Even when eating from all food groups individuals must eat in moderation controlling the fats, salts, and sugars to maintain a healthy diet (Richford, 2011).…

    • 855 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Family Health Assessment

    • 1243 Words
    • 4 Pages

    When investigating into their perception of health it was stated by the wife/mother, “Health is very important to us, however it has been a challenge because me, my husband and our children are all overweight, and I have diabetes.” When asked if eating healthy was a priority to this family, it was noted to be a goal rather than a practice. It was also mentioned how exercise and physical activity have not been a main concern. The family also stated that, “Kentucky Fried Chicken” was their favorite meal, and fruits and vegetables were not consumed as frequently. However, the family did state they want to start eating healthier and would like additional resources on beginning the process. As said by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eating less fat and choosing fewer high-fat foods is essential. It is also mentioned to limit foods that are high in saturated fats or trans fat. This would include fatty cuts of meat, fried foods, whole milk and dairy products made from whole milk, cakes, candy, cookies, crackers, and pies, salad dressings, lard, shortening, stick margarine, and nondairy creamers (CDC, 2014).…

    • 1243 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    If a child begins eating healthy at a young age, then they are more likely to eat healthier into their adulthood. Most students eat in their schools cafeteria once or even twice a school day, so the healthy options for breakfast and lunch would make a great difference. Since children cannot be forced to eat healthy, students who do not want the healthy options provided by the cafeteria can bring their own lunch from home. Providing healthy meals to the students will help reduce Type 2 diabetes, which is closely related to obesity, in children and young adults. According to “Don’t Blame the Eater,” an article by David Zinczenko, Type 2 diabetes is becoming a rising problem: “Before 1994, diabetes in children was generally caused by a genetic disorder-only about five percent of childhood cases were obesity-related, or Type 2 diabetes. Today, according to the National Institutes of Health, Type 2 diabetes accounts for at least 30 percent of all new childhood cases of diabetes in this country” (Zinczenko 392).…

    • 865 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Adolescent Years

    • 1973 Words
    • 8 Pages

    The nutritional requirements of young people are influenced primarily by the spurt of growth that occurs at puberty. The peak of growth is generally between 11 and 15 years for girls and 13 and 16 years for boys. The nutrient needs of individual teenagers differ greatly, and food intake can vary enormously from day to day, so that those with deficient or excessive intakes on one day may well compensate on the next. In this period of life, several nutrients are at greater deficiency risk including iron and calcium.…

    • 1973 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    These unhealthy choices made by schools are some that may affect the youth's’ wellness, health, and increase obesity. In a day, there are three main meals essential to maintain proper wellness; students spend…

    • 1420 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    They encouraged citizens to make half their plate fruits and vegetables and decrease portions while limiting adding sugars and sodium (Melnick & Siddiqui, 2015). While this was a step in the right direction, it still did not address the major health issues that affect the majority of Americans. As of 2015, 117 million Americans have one or more preventable diseases and 2/3 of our population is overweight or obese At the end of 2015, the newest dietary policy is being released focusing on three dietary patterns to select from: the Healthy US diet, the Healthy Vegetarian diet and the Healthy Mediterranean diet (“Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines”, 2015). Only three dietary patterns for the whole population of people with different dietary needs, restrictions and cultures. Yet again, the guidelines are will be too complex for consumers to adapt for their own use and will be interpreted by industry and professionals to their needs. In order for the dietary guidelines to become effective at reducing obesity and it healthcare costs from chronic disease, the guidelines need to be individualized and adaptable to the needs of the citizen. It needs to be simplified. Tell the individual exactly what to…

    • 860 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Teen Obesity

    • 1073 Words
    • 5 Pages

    There may be a reason teenagers eat more burgers and fries than fruits and vegetables: their parents. Researchers have found that adolescents are more likely to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day if their parents do. Contrarily, teens whose parents eat fast food and drink soda are more likely to do the same.…

    • 1073 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays

Related Topics