10 | Nutrition Magazine October 20 1 5
Feeding pract ices of t he
adol escent s
Their eating habits are different from one
person to another but generally are
characterized by;
Missing meals especially breakfast
Eating preferably snacks and confectioneries
usually in the afternoon after school
characterized with a lot of sugar
Fast, take away or carry away foods which
may not be balanced like to include
vegetables in it.
Delayed onset of puberty and poor growth
as they do not take enough to meet their
adjusted requirement especially the girls
Low birth weight in children born of the
adolescent mothers.
Reduced bone growth and testicular
functions due to use of anabolic steroids in
some sporting adolescent especially
athletes.
Poor dentition and oral health- they miss
meals especially breakfast hence no time
to ask if they brushed their teeth.
Start alcohol consumption
Soft and fun drinks as alternative to alcohol.
Others prefer them to normal diet
Distinctive likes and dislikes of food which
may not be informed.
Appropriat e care
Give nutrition education on the importance
of a balanced diet which is adequate
Supplementation of nutrients like Iron, Vit
A when need arises
Too much fun with play station, music,
movies, internet that occupies their time to
Discourage non nutritional supplements
eat or end up eating the high energy drinks,
empty calorie alcohols, pop corns only which Encourage complete packed meals instead
is not healthy eating especially when schools of just snacks
close.
Discourage fad and junkies.
Ef f ect s of poor f eeding
pract ices
Insist on home meals instead of restaurant
and take away meals unless unavoidable.
See your nutritionist for support in case of
Obesity ? now a major nutritional disorder
a nutritional disorder or second opinion.
that parents should see it as a problem that is
not specific to developed countries only. Ask
for a dietitian around you for assistance.
Severe liver and central nervous condition if
excessive alcohol intake is not checked.