Teen-time is a mixed bag, there are hundreds of new aspects of life and living which are to be discovered in this period. Teens are often energetic, thoughtful, and idealistic, with a deep interest in what's fair and right. It is a phase when physical and psychological modulations are underway at a very rapid pace. The biggest advantage of this phase is that at this time one can modulate the mind and body as one wants, because the growth is still on; but it also means that any errors or neglect can lead to a permanent damage.
Teenagers require a healthy, balanced diet in order to continue to grow. It should consist of all food groups as well as vitamins and minerals. They need a lot of nutrients to get them through all the schoolwork, dances, football games, hanging out with friends, heartbreak and everything else that is part of being a teenager. However, Teenagers have a reputation for bad eating habits. They go overboard with junk foods and fast foods, follow fad diets, skip meals, and don't get enough of the nutrient-rich foods that their growing bodies need. Such extreme eating habits aggravate acne, constipation, oily skin etc. So here are some tips to tackle regular teen problems:
Acne
The most common problem that a teenager faces is acne. This is because of fluctuating hormone levels and inherited genes. Certain foods may also aggravate acne. So what to do?
- Drink lots of water.
- Have karela as a vegetable (stuffed karela with sweet and sour filling is delicious).
- Avoid too much caffeine and sugary products.
- Avoid white flour products like bread, pizza etc.
Oily skin
Because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers. Also, in many cases the acid-base balance of the body tends to veer towards the acidic state resulting in oily skin. Can some thing be done? YES!
- Take a diet rich in proteins but restricted in sugar, fluids and salt.
- Take plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits.
- Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and to help your body flush out toxins.
- Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Avoid fried and highly seasoned foods.
- Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid sugar, chocolate, and junk food.
Dark circles under eyes
This is a problem which is basically genetic in nature but can also be caused because of dehydration or lack of sleep. In order to avoid it:
- Firstly, the person should detoxify oneself by eating a mix of amla, harar and behar herbs in warm water (also available as triphala).
- One day in a week, you should only have fruits, coconut water, raw vegetable juices and soups. This will also help in detoxifying the body.
- Be careful not to consume too much dietary salt.
Lethargy/sluggish disposition
Many teenagers, despite the young age, feel tired and lethargic most of the time. The reason is that they are eating foods which are too high in the glycemic index (the Glycemic index or GI is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels). As a result the insulin level in their bodies shoots which results in a very lethargic state. The best solution is to eat foods with low sugar index food like whole grain products, dals (pulses), paneer, chicken, fish and of course lots of vegetables and salads.
Constipation
Usually the girls are prone to constipation which results in a sallow skin, hair loss, and of course water retention. The best remedy is to have lot of water and fiber rich foods like whole wheat atta, prunes, apricots etc.
Indigestion/Acidity
It is a very common problem especially during exams because of stress. The best remedy for this is to drink white petha juice in the morning and also drinking lots of water the whole day to keep the body hydrated.
The world is a big place, full of opportunity and fun. And it's all there, waiting for you. But if you don't look after your mind and body, you won't get anywhere. Just remember that this is your growing age. The more you nurture your health now the better it will be for future. That's why eat well, take exercise and get plenty of rest.
