If anyone knows a thing or two about teenage eating, I do. I have four of them….teenagers that is, so I have personal experience in the world of teenage eating.
Our kids could not be more different from one another, and that applies not only to their personalities and interests but also to their eating preferences.
One has been gluten and dairy free for several years because of food sensitivities.
One prefers salads, veggies and healthy foods over junk food.
One has a preference for pizza, PB & J, and cereal.
And one has a huge appetite and will eat almost everything you put in front of him (minus the salads….arrggghhhh).
When the kids were little, it was easy to ensure that they ate healthy food. I shopped for the food and prepared the food. And I essentially controlled every morsel of food that made it into their little mouths.
These days, I do most of the shopping, and I still prepare dinner most nights, but there are now way more opportunities for them to eat the not-so-great stuff. So what’s a mom to do?
Here’s a couple of things that have worked in our house and they may very well work for you too.
1. Set a good example.
Kids and teenagers are watching every move we make, and if you head to the drive through three days a week, then they are more likely to follow suit. Take time out to prepare a good breakfast, a proper lunch, and a nutritious dinner, and they are more likely to do the same.
2. Educate, educate, educate.
Food is medicine (literally), and each and every morsel of food that is brought into the body tells each and every cell of the body how to behave. Explaining this to your kids is key…..let them know that highly nutritious food is going to give them brain power and better energy….they will feel better overall if they are eating real food most of the time.
Teaching them to read labels can be really powerful, and you don’t need to be a dietician or a health coach to do that. If you see the words artificial colors/flavors, aspartame or high fructose corn syrup, then steer clear. These yucky ingredients do nothing for their body, and most kids and teenagers can understand that. They may not always practice what you preach, especially when they are out with friends, but at least they are in the know, and they are more likely to make better choices over the long haul.
3. Swap your 20% foods
If you follow the 80/20 way of eating (i.e., eating well 80% of the time and eating whatever you want 20% of the time), then swap out the 20% foods with its less evil twin. If the kids love Doritos, perhaps you choose Siete Nacho Cheese chips, regular potato chips with potato chips made with olive oil or avocado oil, and waffles with a homemade version. Kids will usually eat what you bring into the house, and buying better versions of “junk” food can be a great way for your kids to enjoy a healthier “junk” food without feeling deprived.
4. Hide the veggies
Any time I make a soup, stew or sauce, I add veggies. Even if the recipe doesn’t call for veggies, I take the opportunity to slip in a few extra nutritious veggies via my trusty Vitamix, and no one knows the wiser. When I make pasta, rice or beans, I add dried organic Kombu or Kelp sprinkles to the water (to get some extra sea minerals on board). It’s one of the easiest ways to get veggies on board without resistance.
5. Don’t panic
When my kids invite friends over, we often head to the store to pick up snacks and drinks. My idea of a snack and drink is not always the same as their idea of a snack and drink. In fact, they often say “Mom, I know you don’t like this but can I get it anyway?” And I go along with it because refusing to buy a soda pop from time to time or a really junky snack will almost always lead them to want it more. So, I tend to relax on my food philosophy and go along for the ride. The fact that they have built awareness around food is a big win, and the end goal is that I am helping to set them up to be aware adults who choose foods that are nourishing to the body.
If you find yourself in a serious battle with your teenager over what they are eating, you may consider a whole-food extract supplement. We are big fans of Juice Plus, but other options include Pure Synergy Superfood, Superfood Plus, Perfect Food Super Greens, andAmazing Grass.
Do you have any tips when it comes to teenage eating? I’d love to hear them.
