You are what you eat (and so is your teen)
Posted by Susan Epstein on May 1st, 2009 at 05:45pm
Daniel Rosenkrantz, Coach to Parents of Teens/Tweens
There are many factors that go into raising a well-behaved, respectful, and happy teenager. But one, that can make a huge difference all on its own, is your teen’s diet. We all know the difference between healthy and unhealthy food, but how many of us actually stick to a truly healthy diet and furthermore help our kids do so too?
A couple of years ago I was working in an elementary school. I was temporarily in charge of making the school lunch, which entailed going into the deep freezer, pulling out one of the boxes, and putting the contents in the oven. Day after day I did this while the whole time thinking, ‘I wouldn’t eat this stuff, how come the kids in this school have to?”
I started to wonder what kind of alternatives there might be out there. One night, while I was researching the subject online, I came across a small town in Wisconsin called Appleton. Have you heard of it?
In 1997, a small company called Natural Ovens ‘initiated a five-year project to bring healthy food into area schools. The goal was to show that fresh, nutritious food can make a real difference in the student’s behavior, learning and health.’
Instead of vending machines full of sugary sodas and snacks, only water and fruit juices were sold. Instead of frozen boxes of food being shipped in, daily, fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean meats were prepared fresh for the students. The results were amazing.
What was once a school ridden with dropouts, expulsions, drug use and kids carrying weapons has now done a complete 180. Mary Bruyette, a teacher at the school said, “Our biggest problems now at the school are parking in the parking lot and student tardiness. I don’t have the disruptions in class or the difficulties with student behavior that I experienced before we started the food program.”
While there might not be great lunch programs in your children’s schools, you still have control over what they eat at home. A good diet is one great way you can help your kids be healthier as well as better behaved.
Tags: Parenting advice teens, teens eating, teens food, Teens Junk food, Teens Nutrition
Under Teens/Tweens
3 Comments for You are what you eat (and so is your teen)
1. Maria | May 2nd, 2009 at 7:35 am
I look up the ingredients in foods to be able to make healthier choices. I do not buy foods that are packed with man made estrogen {this is a little harder because it does not have to be listed, usually injected into animals we use for consumption. This lab made estrogen brings estrogen levels too high and causes many problems: mood swings, pms, and others diseases}, aspartame, MSG, to name a few. I also buy body lotions that do not contain parabens and other chemicals as these are absorbed into the body and cause health problems. I communicate with the people I buy ‘whole food” vitamins from, my employer, and I do as much research on my pc as I can and I have acquired tremendous results. eg.www.iHealthTube.com-Ori Hofmekler, Dr. Mercola.com has tons of articles that have helped us lose weight, feel emotionally well, and definitely became healthier. Knowledge is the key. Learn about the swine flu too! Be Well, Be Aware
2. Rena | May 19th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
My son Anthony will only eat pizza, chicken, french fries, bagels, and waffles and a very limited amount of fruits. I know how important diet is. I buy organic whenever possible, but if it is not what he likes to eat he refuses to eat it. He will be 13 in August. Everything is a battle. Help!
3. Daniel | May 22nd, 2009 at 3:36 am
Hi Rena,
Are you willing to see him skip meals? If you don’t want him to eat a certain thing, then simply don’t buy it. If Anthony is hungry enough, he will eat.
You can also take a middle route which would be to only buy whole grain bagels instead of white, vegetable pizzas, whole grain waffles (served with fruit) and organic chicken. Slowly you can introduce new foods, like oatmeal for example.
What about granola bars? Peanut butter? Sandwiches?
Have you asked Anthony to plan the menu with you?
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