As a teen, what kinds of diets should I avoid?

As a teen, you should avoid eating the following unhealthy foods:

• Stewed or jellied fruits (which have tons of sugar)
• Sugary cereals
• High-sugar fruit and soda drinks
• Full-fat cheese, milk
• Fried anything
• Cheesy, creamy sauces
• Full-fat, high-sugar items (ice cream, cookies, brownies, cakes)
• Simple carbohydrates (rice, crackers, bagels-except for the whole grain varieties)

Teens should avoid the same foods as adults; foods high in fat and sugar, foods made with white flour and overly processed products. The best bet is to consume fresh fruit and vegetables every day along with complex carbohydrates and protein from plants, nuts and seeds or lean cuts of meats.

As a teen, this is a critical time for growth and development, and you should not deprive yourself of critical vitamins, nutrients and calories. You should avoid diets high in sugars and saturated fats, such as fried foods. Your diet should contain a good mixture of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.