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Growth spurt for girls is between 10 to 13 years of
age and that for boys is between 12 to 15 years. Nutritional requirements
are higher during these different periods of growth spurt. Other reasons
for different nutritional requirements for boys and girls is different
hormonal secretions and also bigger frames of body in case of boys than
in girls.
Physical, psychological and social pressures influence
adolescent’s eating habits. They may skip meals, prefer fast foods which
are inadequate in essential nutrients especially calcium and vitamin A
but high in calories, saturated fat and sodium. Sometimes self imposed
diets to maintain their figure may result in complex and far reaching
disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
Ways to provide good nutrition to Teenagers
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Meals taken at home, Breakfast & dinner to
include most of the vitamins and minerals.
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Leafy and other vegetables can be incorporated
in the form of snack preparations.
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Fruit juices, lassi, milk shakes may be taken
in place of carbonated drinks.
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Girls should pay special attention to protein,
vitamin C and iron intake.
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Monitor weight gain, gain in height and body build.
Consult expert at the earliest if feeding problems are suspected.
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