The teen years are a time when parents often start to have less control over their children\u2019s eating habits. Teenagers begin to eat more food away from home, have a bigger say in family meal choices and often snack more on foods that are high in fat, sugar and\/or salt but low in other nutrients. At the same time, some teens may start to skip meals, experiment with vegetarian diets, eliminate food groups such as meat, dairy or carbs, or closely monitor what they\u2019re eating to control their weight or bulk up. The end result can be very unbalanced diets \u2013 often with too much saturated fat, sugar and salt but too little fibre, a lack of fruit and veg and not enough vitamins and minerals during this time of rapid growth.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]The combo of little interest in nutrition, together with high nutrient needs, means the teen years are one of the main times in life when nutrients are most likely to be lacking in diets. Indeed, studies suggest intakes of some key vitamins and minerals are worryingly low, increasing the risk of deficiencies that may impact on health in the teen years but also later in life. Dairy products provide many of the nutrients that are often missing.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” column_margin=”30px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”6688″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”40″ left_padding_desktop=”5%” right_padding_desktop=”5%” left_padding_phone=”0″ right_padding_phone=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-right” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” delay=”600″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n
Milk, cheese and yogurt are rich in protein, and protein helps us maintain muscle mass. They also contain other nutrients that can help us get the most out of our workouts such as calcium and potassium, which are needed for normal muscle function. \u00a0Plus, milk makes a great drink after exercise to help replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost during through sweating.<\/p>\n
Dairy products provide several nutrients that can help support our brains<\/a>, especially important when we\u2019re learning, taking exams and using a lot of brain power! The first is iodine. It\u2019s not a nutrient we hear much about but iodine is essential for all the mental activities that affect our attention, memory and language, as well as our ability to think, make decisions and problem solve \u2013 it\u2019s what experts call cognitive function. Milk, cheese and yogurt are the main providers of iodine in the UK diet. Studies show 19% of teen boys and 28% of teen girls have very low intakes of iodine and so would benefit from more.<\/p>\n
As well as iodine, vitamin B1 (found in yogurt) and vitamin B12 (found in milk, cheese and yogurt) affect our psychological function \u2013 in other words, our emotions, behaviour, ability to be social and our overall mental health. Vitamin B5 (found in milk), also contributes to normal mental performance.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Good news for waistlines<\/strong><\/p>\n
There\u2019s no need to worry about the fat or calorie content of dairy foods! There are plenty of lower-fat options available including semi-skimmed, 1% fat and skimmed milk,<\/u>\u00a0as well as low-fat yogurt and reduced-fat cheeses. These contain all the calcium but fewer calories.<\/p>\n
Check out good news for waistlines here<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Supporting smiles <\/strong><\/p>\n
There\u2019s a reason to \u2018smile and say cheese\u2019 and it goes beyond just looking good on Insta, Snapchat or Tiktok. Dairy products contain calcium<\/a> and phosphorus<\/a> \u2013 two nutrients important for maintaining teeth. They\u2019re also good choices to have in place of foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar \u2013 hard cheese, for example, is sugar free. Plus, milk is a nutritious and tooth-friendly drink \u2013 unlike many soft drinks, it doesn\u2019t have any added sugar and contains protein, vitamins and minerals that help keep us healthy.<\/p>\n
Dairy products \u2013 milk, cheese and yogurt<\/a> – are important sources of calcium, phosphorus and protein, which are all needed for the normal growth and development of bones during childhood and the teenage years. During this time, our bones grow rapidly in length and strength and large amounts of calcium are deposited in them. That\u2019s why teenagers need more calcium than at any other time in life<\/p>\n
Check out calcium here.<\/a><\/p>\n
[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”50″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":5499,"menu_order":62,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","iawp_total_views":618,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2523","page","type-page","status-publish"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n