Teenagers and Milk Products
A teenager who eats well is a teenager who performs well. Healthy meals and snacks that include milk products can give them the energy they need for school, sports and other activities.
The teen years can be complicated. A parent’s desire to see that his or her teen eats properly is often in conflict with the teen’s growing independence, fragile self-image, sensitivity to peer pressure and vulnerability to food myths. Yet a teenager’s body is in continuous evolution and undergoing major changes caused by growth and hormonal fluctuation. During that period it is important to encourage teens to consume nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and milk products, especially that they often under consume these food groups.
Eye-opening survey
The most recent landmark Canadian Community Health Survey1 showed that while some children don’t consume enough milk products, by ages 10 to 16, 61% of boys and a shocking 83% of girls don’t meet even their recommended minimum three daily servings.
Put bones first
Our most important period of bone growth takes place during the teen years. For this reason, a teenager’s recommended intake of milk products is 3 to 4 servings a day - higher than for any other time in life. There are so many ways to enjoy milk products, so why not encourage your teen to consume them by example!
Sources
- Overview of Canadians’ Eating Habits – Nutrition. Statistics Canada, 2006.
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