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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Ritik, Thank you for the question

Reference ideal body weight and height for 16-year-old male can be considered as 54.3 kg and 168.3 cm height.
One of the key aspects of living a happy healthy life amongst many others is to consume diversified balanced diet consumed in right proportions and in a mindful manner, regularly engage in physical activity and follow a good sleep regimen. A healthy diet is very important for our energy, wellbeing, immunity, etc.
Adolescence witnesses speedy physical and emotional development. These changes also demand for specific nutrient requirements. It is very important to consume a well-balanced diversified diet and engage in regular physical activity to support growth, pubertal changes, bone developments and increased haemoglobin production.
Consume a well-balanced diet with good intake of fiber iron and B vitamins to support energy, keep yourself well hydrated and engage in regular physical activity.
Here are a few general Dietary guidelines to be considered for adolescent nutrition.
• Adolescence represents a period of active life, hence no meal of the day should be missed to sustain energy and growth spurts
• Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the 5 food groups (cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, milk & milk products) in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
• Consume minimum 4 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
• An adolescent girl should take enough calcium rich foods in her diet to support the increase of bone density and maintain healthy strong bones. Some of the calcium sources include milk, cheese, paneer, Ragi, curd, yogurt.
• Food should be colourful and attractive.
• Avoid empty calories from foods such as carbonated beverages.
• Iron rich foods should be included in the diet to prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Some of the sources of iron include red meat, green leafy vegetables, eggs, etc
• Calories and protein rich foods should be taken to support the growth spurt. Some of the good sources of protein include, milk, paneer, lean meat, eggs, lentils, soybean, nuts etc.
• Include fruits and vegetables to meet the vitamin, minerals and fiber requirement.
• Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
• Limit intake of deep-fried foods.
• Minimum of 6-8 glasses of water should be consumed to keep yourself hydrated.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before Bed time.
• It is necessary to engage in physical activity particularly outdoor games. Physical activity regulates appetite. Engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity throughout the week.
• Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions please contact your Health care professional or any registered dietician.
Hope we have answered your query.
Wishing you a great day ahead.

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