When you’re a teenager, it’s pretty easy to feel invincible.
You’re young, fit and growing stronger all the time. So why not down an entire block of Cadbury in one sitting? After all, the consequences are seemingly few. (Perhaps that’s why teenage boys eat up to 38 teaspoons of sugar PER DAY.)
But the fact is, the eating habits we form as younger adults tend to stick around as we reach adulthood. So how can you encourage your teens to enjoy eating REAL food?
1. Make healthy choices easy.
You might not be able to control what your teenagers eat when they’re out and about, but you can make your home a healthy-eating haven.
Teenagers are all about quick and convenient food (so often synonymous with processed junk). So stock your cupboards at home with nutrient-dense snacks they can grab on the go. For main meals, try healthy versions of their less healthy favourites they could be getting elsewhere (which happens to be our specialty).
Case in point? This (secretly healthy) GIANT COOKIE. Mrs Fields who?
Choc Chip Skillet Cookie
2. Establish a healthy body relationship.
It might sound obvious, but it’s so important to encourage teens to love their bodies. Help them understand that everyone’s healthy weight is different (and no one really looks like the models on the cover of Vogue).
Never criticise their weight or appearance and focus on their other positive attributes instead. It’s also important to avoid talking negatively about your own body. This can go a long way to curb the negative eating habits that can take root around this vulnerable time of development.
3. Educate.
Unlike littler kids, teenagers have reached an age where they can be logical and reasonable. So rather than just banning the sugar and junk, arm them with the tools to make their own healthy choices by explaining to them exactly what it’s doing to their bodies.
Also teach them how to read food labels and check products for added sugar. That way, they’ll be able to visualise exactly what’s making up that giant Snickers bar.
4. Talk up the benefits of healthy eating that teens can relate to.
Let’s be frank, it’s hard for most teenagers to comprehend many of the sugar-related diseases (type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer) when they’re likely pretty healthy themselves.
But what teen wouldn’t want clearer skin, shiny hair, a beautiful smile, or a calm and clear mind?
5. Get them cooking.
As Sarah says: “If you want to know the best way to take charge of your wellness and the wellness of your family, learn to cook!”
If you can get them out of their rooms, get them involved in weekly meal prep and nightly cooking. If they’re having friends around, suggest they impress their guests by cooking up a plate of (really easy) Lamb Nachos instead of ordering Domino’s.
6. Eat dinner as a family.
Life is busy and teens can be grumps. We get it! But even if it’s only a couple of times a week, try and carve out some time to eat together. Mealtimes establish habits in your teenagers around eating mindfully and socially. Habits that will stick with them for life.
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