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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Hi Bhavya Garg,

Thank you for the question.

Adolescence or teenage is a critical period of our lives in which our body undergoes rapid changes, growth and development. It is very essential to consume a healthy balanced diet with an adequate amount of protein and other nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin D, etc., which will help support growth, development, pubertal changes and strong bones.

Gaining muscle mass requires specific exercise regimen followed by appropriate dietary changes, especially in terms of good quality proteins balanced with appropriate calories, which should be done under professional guidance.

Some of the nutrients that support healthy muscles include protein, calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 & B12. Some of the food sources rich in these nutrients include milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, whole grains, nuts, etc. Include these foods in your daily balanced diet.

Reference ideal body weight for a 15-year-old male can be considered as 51.5 kg with 166.3 cm height.

A high-calorie and high-protein diet is recommended for weight gain. Daily protein requirement should ideally be followed as 45g per day with 2860 kcal per day. Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.

Here are few guidelines that can be considered

- Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning. Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs.

- Maintain a positive energy balance where the calorie intake should be more than the energy expenditure.

- Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs. Some of the energy dense foods include Whole wheat, Multigrain, millets, dairy products, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.

- Do not skip meals. Eat small frequent meals.

- Three major meals a day with healthy nutritious snacks in between is preferred.

- Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically

- Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.

- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain hydration

- Indulging in physical activity can help in increasing the appetite and give a feeling of hunger.

- 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.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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