Good Diet Habits of an Athletic Teen

Many people think that in order to stay healthy, you must diet to lose weight. However, this assumption is false, for a healthy lifestyle is based on a balanced diet and exercise. You must eat food to obtain energy for life because cells convert the sugars in food into ATP, or energy for the body. The importance of a balanced diet is especially apparent in teens, even more in active teens.
It is very important to have good eating habits in order to build strong bones and prevent obesity. For teens, it is also important to eat three meals every day to obtain the correct amount of energy. According to nutritionists, the average person is supposed to intake about 2000 Calories daily. However, this number increases to about 2500 Calories for the average teen, and around 2900 for an active teen. The extra Calories eaten by an athlete help with performance and fitness, and also make up for the energy used during sports. Macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, are very important for life. These different groups should be balanced within a diet, as each has a different job. Carbohydrates, or sugars, are important for fast energy during activity. Also, some carbohydrates help waste and food move through the body efficiently. Fats, which are composed of fatty acids and glycerol, help absorb vitamins and provide protection and insulation. Proteins, composed of amino acids, supply raw materials for growth and repair. These are especially important for athletes because they help the muscles grow and repair them after use. The food pyramid below shows the ideal balance between each type of food group. It is recommended to have many different foods within a healthy diet.