Nutrition in the Teenage Years Giving good nutrition your best effort is important right now. During your teenage years, you will grow a great deal. When nutrients are lacking, you may not grow as well as you should. Your body will not be as strong and healthy as it could be. Getting the right amount of calories is important, too. Too few calories can limit your height and muscle growth. It can delay the adolescent growth spurt. Too many calories cause extra fat to be stored. A large amount of extra fat can make a teen go through the adolescent growth spurt at a young age. Going through the growth spurt early may prevent him from growing as tall as he could. Too much body fat also puts pressure on growing leg joints and foot bones and may damage them. Extra fat also can harm the heart and other organs. It may limit the body’s ability to deliver nutrients to cells. Cells may not be able to use nutrients as well. Getting plenty of physical activity is important during the teen years. It helps to strengthen growing muscles and build strong bones. Physical activity also helps control body fat levels and lowers the risk of getting certain diseases. Good nutrition and plenty of physical activity are keys to good health. Being healthy improves your chances of success in school. Healthy people tend to have more fun and feel good about themselves. They have the energy to do the things they like. They look their best, too. Traits of healthy people are listed in Figure 1.3. How many of these traits describe you? Traits of Healthy People Well rested with energy to work and play hard Resistant to infection and quick recovery from illness Happy, contented outlook and ability to relax Ability to manage stress in healthy ways Resilient hair that resists breaking Cavity-free teeth and pink gums that do not bleed easily Bright, clear eyes Smooth, moist, elastic skin Firm muscles and strong bones NeonShot/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.3 Healthy people make wise food choices and are physically active. How many of these traits describe you? 7 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 1 Food, Nutrition, and You