Tips for Feeding Preteens

A Preteen is usually defined as being a kid that is between to 10 to 13 years old. The good news is that most kids are just lovely during these years and being naturally active they will eat anything on their plate.

However some preteens might be pickier because they have actually slowed down growing a bit. If the child eats less, it might simply biological. However if there is a lot of emotional drama going on around the food then you might have some problems.

1.
If your child is picky about eating food realize it might be more about you than the food …ego struggles are likely at this age. Patience and non-resistance is key.

2.
Do not be surprised if your child is a binge eater or craves one particular food. As long as it is not an unhealthy food like sugar you should indulge the craving.

3.
Train your child to eat eight servings of antioxidant laden fruit and vegetables a day by eating by color!

4.
Do not be surprised if your preteen starts talking about becoming a vegetarian; this is a 'hot topic' around the first decade of life and should be encouraged as long as your child gets all of the vitamins they need in supplements (especially B12 which is only found in meat.)

5.
Discourage your teen from being an emotional eater; explain how food should not be used to abate extreme feelings or avoid dealing with reality.

6.
Be aware of the signs of anorexia and bulimia and get your pre-adolescent help quickly if you suspect self-image problems; even though these are disorders that are more associated with teenagers they can start a very young age.

7.
Reward your child financially or otherwise somehow if they resist the temptation to eat in the school cafeteria and take a brown bag to lunch

8.
Continue to take your child shopping and encourage him or her to read nutritional labels and try new foods

9.
Encourage your child to cook meals for the family; in some areas of the country you can even send your ten year old to a cooking and nutrition class. Usually these types of classes advertise through a Learning Annex or extended education brochure.

10.
Your child can read and learn from online sources at this point so be sure to take advantage of interactive tools on the internet that might encourage him or her to pay more attention to her health.

Above all be patient, understanding and talk to your kids. Understanding where they are at goes a long way towards helping them develop life-long healthy eating patterns.

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Top Ten Tips For Feeding Teenagers

Teens are fussy, conscious about their weight and more subject to impulse eating than probably any other age group alive (except for maybe toddlers who have been know to eat a single food for months on end and never eat anything else.)

1.
Do not tempt fate by bringing junk food for yourself or other family members into the home if you are trying to keep a teenager healthy

2.
Be aware that your child might be short some essential nutrients and need supplementation with vitamin A, folic acid, fiber, iron, calcium, and zinc

3.
Most teenagers are quite concerned with how their appearance and can be convinced that they will be slimmer and more beautiful if they eat a healthy diet and exercise

4.
Make low-fat versions of junk food menu favorites; there are many recipes to be found online that can help you make healthy versions of junk food favorites like French Fries, Cheeseburgers, Tacos and Fried Chicken

5.
Make food more interesting by cooking ethnic versions; this keeps your teen interested in meal times

6.
Curb cravings for junk foods by making sure that your teen is getting adequate supplementation with vitamins he or she may need

7.
As was true with the pre-teen keep your eye out for the warning signs of symptoms of a teen who may be suffering from anorexia or bulimia and get them treated in an eating disorders program

8.
Never use food as a reward for good behavior or have your teen associate it with love and affection; this can lead to eating disorders

9.
If your child is an emotional eater gets him or her to recognize HALT – never get Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired as that is when he or she is most vulnerable to binging on junk foods

10.
Be aware that a child that is not eating at all may be doing recreational drugs or smoking; nip these habits in the bud by addressing the matter directly as soon as you can as they are so damaging to every aspect of your teenagers growth
When your child hits age 13 you can expect a real growth spurt. The nutritional needs of your child are greatly increased because of the changes in body composition and increased growth rate that is associated with sexual development and the path towards puberty.
Some teens do not change but most experience a dramatic need for all kinds of foods. Many teens are also incredibly active and expend a lot of fuel. Many spend more time at work, have a job, socialize more, exercise more and have more erratic behaviors in general that affect how they eat

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