hungryteens

Mar 5, 2019 5:00:00 PM | nutrition Feeding my teenage daughter without the battle | achs.edu

High sugar intake of teens can lead to depression, obesity and a plethora of other unhealthy side effects.

hungryteens

Ha, the title would imply that I have a battle free relationship with my teenager.  Wouldn't that be incredible? 

Reality is that there is no magic cure for teenagers other than surviving them. I do try to minimize the cringe by preemptively controlling what my kids have access to food-wise.

Teaching Teens how to Make Healthy Choices

Since my teenager was a little girl I have never made her eat if she's not hungry and I've never said no to what she wants to eat.  I can hear the readers who let their kids eat anything going "what a load of…………………..".  I do, however; I only ever put food in the fridge or in the cupboards that I'm not going to feel upset if they:

  1. Eat it all
  2. Let it rot, or
  3. Eat it partially and leave it to rot under their bed.

What I do have on hand for them to eat– I make sure it's grabbable, nukeable or it's easy to make, even for the 5-year-old in 5 mins or less. For example; I always have avocados on hand, I always have whole grain bread, I always have apples or pears, and I always have oatmeal! Lots and lots of steel cut oatmeal.

I know you're probably asking why oatmeal?

Simple; I use it like ramen. I use it like rice. I use it for the dog's foods and kids foods.  I sometimes mix those two up and the kids aren't too happy but all in all, it works out. Some of our favorites are savory oatmeal, fresh fruit oatmeal, oatmeal with nuts or eggs or avocado.

You can buy unsweetened instant organic steel cut oatmeal.  It takes about 3 minutes and my kids add cheese, avocado, fresh spinach, tomatoes or some pre-cooked ground turkey. The small human adds agave and Nutella. They eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner – and it's healthy!

Oatmeal is a quick, low glycemic food that creates quick burnable energy. 

16054151_lNo lingering unburnt carbs and no food crash and most importantly no peaks and valleys in glucose levels which for teenagers helps reduce moodiness, brain fog, and exhaustion.  It for sure won't change their attitude or late nights on the cell phones but it's a healthy alternative to pizza or top ramen.  

There are a myriad of studies that link high sugar intake of teens to depression, obesity and a plethora of other unhealthy side effects – we hear about it all the time but for me and my kids I've managed to bridge the crave and mellow the moods with pots of warm sweet or savory whole grain steel cut oats. 

No Crash and Burn

I strongly believe that regulated blood sugar aids with mood, sleep, energy and weight management. I try to keep my own blood sugar regulated and feel so much better when I'm on track. The great thing with oats is they make you feel full longer so you don't really need the snacks. Healthy food does take time to do but it's actually less time than a horrendous teenage argument that leaves me feeling drained and tired.   

If you want to try something different to help ease your tired teen's mood try steel cut oats you'll be amazed at how quickly kids forget if their go-to option isn't overly healthy or difficult to make. As successful as I am in some regards, the reality is my teenager is still a teenager but she seems to be a nicer version when she eats food for fuel while killing the crave. My 5-year-old is still a 5-year-old.

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Kate Harmon, CMO

Written By: Kate Harmon, CMO

Kate first began working with the College in 1992, assisting with Student Services. She returned to the College in 2002 after living in Japan. Kate enjoys working with staff and students, and draws upon her extensive online marketing experience to ensure that ACHS marketing efforts do not reflect in increased expenses for the college or students. Kate also works closely with the all military branches to elevate our servicemembers' and their spouses' learning experience with ACHS. Kate has an avid interest in natural health and gardening, and is a passionate New Zealand All Blacks Rugby fan. She uses natural remedies in her daily life for herself, her daughters, and her two West Highland terrier dogs, Zoey and Rigby.