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Nutrition for Preteens and Teens

A balanced diet is a very important aspect of healthy childhood development. Both parents and teens need to be aware of the effects of all different foods. However, every body is different and has different nutritional requirements. Here you and your child can find information about food recommendations for every lifestyle.

PAMF Content for Parents

Sugar and Other Sweeteners, October 2008
Creative ideas for getting more fruit and veggies into your preteens, September 2008
Free Fast Food Nutrition Information, August 2008
Teens and Nutrition

PAMF Content for Your Preteen

PAMF Content for Your Teen

Outside Resources

Adolescence: Nutrition: The Bright Futures Web site contains a 26-page packet that provides comprehensive information on multiple aspects of adolescent nutrition. It includes nutrition information with regard to eating disorders, body image, physical development, physical activity and more, as well as straightforward graphs, charts and images.
CDC Fruits and Veggies Matter: This CDC Web site is devoted to promoting consumption of fruits and vegetables. You can calculate your personal fruit and vegetable needs, find healthy fruit and vegetable recipes, and learn new ideas for eating fruits and vegetables.
My Pyramid: This USDA Web site is devoted to promoting a balanced diet based on the government food pyramid. You can create a personalized eating plan, track your diet quality and physical activity status, read about getting the most nutrition out of your calories, and make healthier choices. The website includes tips and resources as well as links to the website for kids.
Overweight and Obesity: This CDC Web site gives tips to parents about confronting childhood obesity. It includes trends, contributing factors, health consequences, economic consequences, state-based programs, and recommendations. It also includes additional links such as a child and teen BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator.
Prevention Institute: This website provides access to wide range of resources that are focused on action at the local level. Website resources include local policy database and Environmental Nutrition and Activity Community Tool (ENACT).
Tips for Kids on Eating Well and Feeling Good about Yourself: This website contains advice for kids about different ways to remain healthy physically, mentally and emotionally. It includes a printable version.
We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition): We Can! is a national program designed as a one-stop resource for parents and caregivers interested in practical tools to help children 8 to 13 years old stay at a healthy weight. It includes tips sheets, local program connections and other resources.

Recommended Books

Weight Loss Confidential: How Teens Lose Weight and Keep It Off and What They Wish Parents Knew by Anne M. Fletcher
Super Size Me (DVD)

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