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
|
