| My 14 year
old daughter is 5 feet 2 inches tall. She weighs 81 pounds. Although
she is quite active in sports and other physical activities, her
eating habits have me concerned. She never tires from playing
but I think she is underweight. Her diet consists of deep fried
chicken, potato salad, pizza, pasta and green beans. Since she
has not had her menstrual period, I’m worried that she may need
help. Regarding her menstruation
cycle, there is nothing to worry about. Based on her age, the
menstruation starts from the age of nine to 6 to 16. As certain
medial journals report that average age is 12.8; others have
13.5 as the norm. However, a girl requires a certain percentage
of body fat to menstruate (approximately, 17 percent of the
total weight). Although your daughter’s weight does not trigger
any serious concern, A few extra pounds may be helpful on she
starts menstruating.
Your daughter’s weight puts her in the central
range of girls her age. She is in the lowest quarter of her
age group. However, your daughter’s diet is nutritionally lacking.
Explain the importance of a well balanced diet and how it impacts
the body’s anatomy and functions. Try to get her to replace
the fried chicken with lean non fried foods. Keep healthy foods
around the house to encourage better eating habits.
Here are few foods of thought for your daughter:
? Cancers are caused by processed foods such
as fried chicken.
? Fruits and vegetables are healthy smart foods
? Eat a wide array of colorful different foods
– as each is loaded with different components
? When vegetables and fruits are consumed,
it helps ward off colds, chronic diseases as well as vitamin
deficiencies.
? A diet should consist of two-thirds vegetables
and a third of protein foods. |
