adolescence is a time of rapid growth; in fact, teens gain almost 50 percent of their adult weight during the adolescent years. yet they are less likely to eat a balanced diet then any other age group.
teens know it's important to eat right - but many don't understand basic nutrition. they skin breakfast and choose too many high-fat foods when snacking or eating at fast-food restaurants. perhaps the worst offenders are teenage girls who diet all the time, avoiding healthy foods they think are " too fattening."
good eating habits begin in early childhood, and that's when parents should start setting a good example. during the teenage years, however, parents have to more subtle about guiding food choices. they can't control what teens eat - or don't eat - during the day. but they can offer healthy choices at home.