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Nutrition
Eating well involves a balanced diet of a range of whole fruits and vegetables along with whole grains, lean sources of protein, healthy fats, and limited added sugar and sodium.
Nutritious foods provide us with the micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and macro-nutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) that our brain and body need for optimal development and performance.
As an adolescent, you’re in a stage of rapid growth in your brain and body - undergoing physical, sexual, mental, and social maturation. A steady nutritious diet gives you the energy and resources needed for healthy development in those areas. Insuffient nutrients leads to stunted growth, and mental and physical health problems.
Hydration
Hydration facilitates many key functions in the body, including: carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells; flushing bacteria from the bladder; aiding digestion; normalizing blood pressure; protecting organs, tissues, and joints; regulating body temperature.
What to aim for
Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate provides an overview of what to aim for in our eating and hydration habits. Check it out and decide what you can try.