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Eating right

Everyone should eat healthy foods to prevent health problems later in life, such as heart disease. Good nutrition is even more important for young people with health issues who may be on special diets. Even though having rules about what you can eat can be tough, you should follow orders from your doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists to make sure you stay healthy. Work with your parents or guardians and doctors to create a flexible plan that allows you to treat yourself sometimes. They may be able to help you create a plan to eat healthy foods at parties and when you’re out with your friends.

Plus, a healthy eating plan doesn’t mean you have to eat a lot of foods that you don’t like. Just make sure that your diet includes:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
• Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
• Whole grains (like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal)

It’s possible that your illness or disability may require you to avoid certain foods. For example, you may have an allergy to tree nuts or be unable to eat gluten (contained in wheat, rye, and barley). If this is the case, be sure to listen to your doctor’s advice and avoid foods that could harm you.

Read all about healthy foods here.

Helpful Tool

For helpful information on leading a healthy lifestyle, check out "Take Charge of Your Health. A Teenager’s Guide to Better Health."

Content last updated October 21, 2009

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