This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation on behalf of Viactiv that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv products for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.
As a mom to young four boys, I often get comments from other parents like, “Just wait til your boys are teenagers – teen boys eat A LOT!” And I am sure it is true. My grocery bill is going to skyrocket when my boys hit their adolescent growth spurt.
Boys AND girls grow and develop fast during the teenage years. Their nutritional and caloric needs are higher at this time than any other time in their lives. A teen’s diet has a direct impact on their health as an adult. Helping our teenagers eat a healthy diet is extremely important.
Teenage girls are especially at risk. Moms may be shocked to learn that 86% of teen girls have calcium-deficient diets. This deficiency comes at a crucial time for bone health, since 95% of bone building occurs by the time she’s 20! The good news is there are easy ways to add calcium to their diets every day, including supplements for bone health. And moms, these suggestions are good for you, too. More than half of women are calcium deficient.
Most teens are busy and on-the-go, but there are ways to encourage them to make healthy diet and lifestyle choices. The eating habits they develop now will likely go with them throughout the rest of their lives. Let’s help them develop good ones!
Nutrition Tips for Teen Girls
1. Eat breakfast every day.
Breakfast is the meal that gives you the energy to go throughout the day. It’s also a good time to get calcium. Examples of healthy breakfast foods that give you calcium include: a bowl of cereal with milk, low fat string cheese, fruit and yogurt or a calcium-fortified cereal bar.
2. Choose healthy foods for school lunch and toss a Viactiv® Soft Chew in your lunch bag.
Bringing a lunch from home can help ensure that your teen is eating nutritious foods throughout the day. Be sure to include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Toss a Viactiv Soft Chew in her lunch bag so your teen can easily get 500 mg of calcium during the school day.
Viactiv is the #1 doctor-recommended calcium supplement. Each Viactiv calcium chew provides 500 mg of calcium and 500 IU of Vitamin D. Teen girls need 1300 mg of calcium and 600 IU of Vitamin D per day!
3. Limit sodas, energy drinks and other sugar-sweetened drinks.
Teach teenage girls to make smart drink choices. Sodas, energy drinks and other sugar-sweetened drinks are full of extra calories. Quench thirst with water or milk instead. An 8 ounce glass of skim milk has only 90 calories and provides a healthy dose (300 mg) of the calcium her body needs for building strong bones.
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4. Make smarter choices at fast food restaurants.
You can eat healthy even when you eat out. Look for nutritious food items on the menu. You can even treat yourself to fast food every now and then. Remember that you don’t need to “super size” the higher fat foods like fries.
5. Eating a healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite “junk” foods.
Your daily diet should include fruits, vegetables, grains and other good-for-you foods so your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs for energy and growth. However, you can still enjoy your favorite “junk” foods in moderation.
6. Remember to take a second Viactiv® Calcium Soft Chew after dinner.
Viactiv soft chews are an way to meet your daily calcium requirements. Two Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews ensure teens get the calcium and Vitamin D to support stronger bones and teeth, and nerve health.
Making sure your teen girl gets the calcium she needs is easier with Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews. “Chews To Be Strong” with Viactiv today! Viactiv is available at major nationwide retailers including supermarkets, CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart and Walgreens. Save money with this printable $2/off Viactiv coupon.
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How do you help your teen get the calcium she needs every day? Does your teen girl get the daily recommended amount of calcium? Have you tried including Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews in her daily routine? #BeActiv
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