Why is it important for teenagers to eat healthy foods?

It's important because eating right, (balanced meals, sufficient proteins, nutrients, carbohydrates and healthy fats,) keeps our moods regulated, our bodies healthy and gives us the ability to grow and develop. Only by eating healthy and right everyday will our body and mind obtain maximum energy and health. Because teenagers are in their prime growth stage, (gaining 20% of adult height and 50% of adult weight,) the need for proper and adequate nutrients is vital. Plus, children and teenagers who are overweight or on the verge of it are at a much greater risk for cardiovascular disease, bone and joint issues, other long-term health problems while an adult, sleep apnea and poor self-esteem, so maintaining a healthy diet to keep your body beneficial is very important. (Self-esteem for teenagers is very significant because it affects them social life, attitude towards life and performance in school, subjects greatly impacting the rest of their life. So, a way to increase self-esteem is by eating healthy everyday, because visible benefits make it easier for teenagers to appreciate their bodies.)

Overall, healthy eating everyday promotes energy lasting all day, vitamins and minerals our bodies need, staying strong for sports and/or daily activities, reaching our maximum growth, (height and weight,) keeping ourselves healthy and preventing unhealthy/unbalanced eating habits, (skipping a meal then overeating in the next meal.) For example, skipping breakfast or eating an unhealthy breakfast. In the beginning of the day, your body needs to replenish its fuel source. By eating a full, healthy breakfast like oatmeal, orange juice, wheat toast and low-fat or fat-free yogurt, your body is re-energized and your mind is focused. (Studies have shown kids who start their day with a healthy meal are more focused/awake in school, and don't overeat in the following meals.)

Healthy eating for active teenagers is all about balancing and regulating meals and snacks. The same concept of what to eat and how to eat it still applies, but the only difference in diet for active teenagers and less active is more caloric intake. Active teenagers, depending on their level of activity, require more calories to keep up with their energy and growth needs. So what happens when teenage athletes don't meet their requirements? Instead of hitting peak performance during game time, their bodies will most likely break down rather than build up muscles. Not being able to exercise effectively leads to weight problems, and less the caloric intake could result in growth stunts and worse physical downfalls.

-http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/eatnrun.html
-http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/healthyeating.html
-http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/268.cfm
-http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_children_teens.htm
-http://smartertips.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/healthy-food.jpg
-http://www.wholetruthsolutions.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/img_nutrition_landing1.jpg
-http://www.ccmag2.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/food-guide.jpg