Dietary habits, which affect food preferences, energy consumption and nutrient intakes, are generally developed in early childhood and particularly during adolescence. The home and school environments play a major role in determining a child's attitude to, and consumption of individual foods.
Teenagers, as well as being exposed to periodic food fads and
slimming trends, tend to skip meals and develop irregular eating habits. One of
the most frequently missed meals is breakfast. Studies show that breakfast
plays an important role in providing needed energy and nutrients after an
overnight fast and can aid in concentration and performance at school.
Snacks generally form an integral part of meal patterns for both
children and teenagers. Younger children cannot eat large quantities at one
sitting and often get hungry long before the next regular mealtime. Mid-morning
and mid-afternoon snacks can help to meet energy needs throughout the day.
Fast-growing and active teenagers often have substantial energy and nutrition
needs and the teaching of food and nutrition in the school curricula will
enable children to have the knowledge to make informed choices about the foods
in their regular meals and snacks.
