MOJECA CHRISTY C.

GALLA N22

For healthy teenage growth, meal consumption and nutritional quality are critical. Meal skipping may be
highest during young adulthood, a period of transition and growth. In the case of Ling-Yao, who
habitually misses breakfast but is a high-school basketball player, his anthropometric data (weight and
height) reveal that his BMI is 16.7, which indicates that he is underweight, and skipping breakfast would
be unhealthy for him. Breakfast is sometimes called "the most important meal of the day," and for good
reason. Breakfast is a meal that helps to break the overnight fast, as the name implies. It restores your
glucose supply, making you feel more energized and alert while also providing other essential nutrients
for good health. Demory-Luce and colleagues claim that Adolescents' social environments, particularly
their home and family environments, have a substantial influence on their eating patterns, according to
them (2021). Interpersonal influences such as food availability, modeling, reinforcement, social support,
and perceived norms can all impact eating patterns. Desire for independence and acceptance by peers,
more mobility, increased time spent at school and/or work, and obsession with self-image are all factors
that contribute to the unpredictable and unhealthy eating habits.

Knowing that his kid is underweight, I would urge Ling- Yao's mother to include whole-grain breads,
pastas, and cereals in his overall healthy diet, as well as fruits and vegetables, dairy products, lean
protein sources, and nuts and seeds. Gaining weight gradually and responsibly is the most important
part. While striving to acquire weight, his child should avoid saturated fats, trans fats, and added sweets
because they are harmful to his health. In addition, because his child is an adolescent athlete, more
calories are needed to replenish the energy lost during physical exertion. To supply enough energy for
development and activity, a well-balanced diet rich in macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) and
micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) is required. Hydration, growth, and athletic performance all
require fluids. With this information, the mother will know what meals to prepare at their dinner table
to help his son grow and develop.

Reference:
Demory-Luce L. et al (2021). Adolescent eating habits. UpToDate. Retrieved
from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/adolescent-eating-habits on November 16, 2021
Purcell, L. K., & Canadian Paediatric Society, Paediatric Sports and Exercise Medicine Section (2013).
Sport nutrition for young athletes. Paediatrics & child health, 18(4), 200–205. Retrieved
from: https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/18.4.200 on November 16, 2021