Problem: Nutrition Throughout the Lifespan
Practice Activity - Adolescent Nutrition
Objective: To identify key nutrition issues during adolescence and make recommendations for those nutrient needs.
Instructions: Answer the questions below after reading the case study description.
Case Study: Cassie is a 14-year-old who is concerned about nutrition and taking care of her body. She says a lot of her friends are following nutrition advice they find on TikTok and Instagram. Answer the questions below regarding adolescent nutrition concerns that Cassie mentions to you.
A. Cassie says she feels hungry throughout the day, but it seems like everyone on social media eats tiny meals or snacks. What can you tell Cassie about energy needs during adolescence and why she feels hungry?
B. Cassie says the lunches at school aren't great, so she often goes across the street to the nearby convenience store and uses her lunch money to buy food or snacks there - typically a soda and a candy bar or a bag of chips. Suggest two meal/snack options that Cassie could buy at the convenience store that would provide better nutritional value than her current choices. Then create two lunch ideas that would be easy for Cassie to pack from home and include a variety of food groups.
Meal/Snack Idea
1. Convenience store
1. Convenience store
1. Lunch from home
1. Lunch from home
C. Cassie says one of her friends is anemic. Why might this be common in adolescent girls and what dietary recommendations could help Cassie avoid becoming anemic?
D. In health class, Cassie's teacher said that adolescents need to make sure they optimize their bone health. Why is bone health important in adolescence, and what can teens do to make sure they develop healthy bones?
E. Cassie tells you a popular trend on TikTok is encouraging all her friends to "go vegan." She said she's not sure she can follow a strict vegan diet, but she is curious about trying to be a vegetarian in some way. What are some key nutrients Cassie needs to make sure she gets in her diet if she chooses to try a vegetarian approach to eating, and what are some plant-based foods that will provide those important nutrients?