
Why Does Nutrition Matter for Teenagers?
1
Improved Performance In Sports
Good nutrition is very important for improving athletic performance and overall health in sports. Eating the right foods gives athletes the energy they need to practice, compete, and recover. For example, carbohydrates give muscles the fuel they need for hard activities, while proteins help repair and grow muscles. Healthy fats provide steady energy for endurance, and vitamins and minerals keep the body working well by supporting the immune system and helping with oxygen transport. Eating well can also lower the chance of injuries, sharpen focus, and help athletes recover faster, so they can train regularly and perform better. A balanced diet, customized to fit an athlete's specific needs, can make a big difference in their success, both now and in the future.
2
Feeling Amazing
Eating healthier can help you feel better and happier. When you eat good foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to work properly. This gives you more energy, helps you think more clearly, and puts you in a better mood. Healthy eating also makes your immune system stronger, so you don’t get sick as often. Eating balanced meals can even help lower stress and make you feel calmer. By choosing healthier foods, you’re giving your body and mind the fuel they need to feel great.
3
Improving Your Future Health
Eating healthy foods now can help you stay healthy as you get older. When you give your body the right nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it helps prevent health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Eating nutritious foods makes your bones stronger, keeps your heart and brain healthy, and supports your immune system, so you’re less likely to get seriously sick later in life. By choosing a balanced diet today, you’re helping your body stay strong and healthy for the future.

Top Five Food
Items to Avoid
1. Foods made with High Fructose Corn Syrup
2. Energy Drinks with Large Amounts of Sugar
3. Heavily Processed Foods
4. Foods with Large Amounts of Sodium
5. Lunch Meats
Why Nutrition Matters to Me
As a child, what I ate was almost always an afterthought. I ate what was convenient and never understood that what I ate correlated to how I would feel. It was not until I was in my sophomore year of high school that I realized how important my nutrition was for how I feel and for preventing injury while playing sports. I started to change my diet to nutrient-dense, fewer-ingredient foods and instantly felt much better. I had more energy, felt happier, and performed better in sports. After I realized the impact nutrition had on me, I knew it could do the same for others.