ASSESSING, PLANNING,

PREPARING AND EVALUATING

DIETS FOR ADOLESCENTS
OBJECTIVES:
◦At the end of the exercise, the students will be able to:
1. determine the nutritional requirements and nutritional problems of
adolescents
2. Plan, prepare, serve and evaluate a diet among adolescents and its
dietary prescriptions prepare, serve, and evaluate meals based on the
planned diets, and:
3. identify the different formulas used to compute total energy
requirements and desirable body weight.
What is Adolescence?

- period of transition between childhood and adulthood,

- Ages 10-19 according to WHO
- Often referred to us puberty
Changes Adolescents Undergo
1. Physical Changes-
Puberty-Adolescents go through puberty which involves the development
of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development in girls,
facial hair growth in boys, and changes in body shape.
Growth Spurt- adolescents experience a growth spurt which leads to an
increase in height and weight.
Hormonal Changes- including production of sex hormones like estrogen
and testosterone that affect various aspects of physical development.
 Changes Adolescents Undergo
2. Cognitive Changes:
Abstract Thinking: Adolescents develop the ability to think abstractly
and logically, enabling them to understand complex concepts and solve
more abstract problems.
Critical Thinking: They become more capable of critical thinking,
questioning assumptions, and forming independent opinions.
Planning and Decision-Making: Improved cognitive abilities allow
adolescents to plan for the future and make more reasoned decisions.
 Changes Adolescents Undergo
3. Emotional Changes:
Emotional Intensity: Adolescents often experience heightened
emotions and mood swings due to hormonal changes and the
challenges of navigating new social and personal experiences.
Identity Formation: They begin to explore and form their sense of
identity, including their values, beliefs, and self-concept.
Risk-Taking: Adolescents may engage in more risk-taking behavior as
they seek new experiences and independence.
 Changes Adolescents Undergo
4. Social Changes:
Peer Relationships: Adolescents place a greater emphasis on peer
relationships and friendships, which can influence their behavior and
self-esteem.
Family Relationships: There may be conflicts and renegotiation of roles
within the family as adolescents strive for autonomy.
Social Identity: Adolescents become more aware of their social identity,
including factors like gender, race, and culture, which can influence
their sense of belonging and self-esteem.
 Changes Adolescents Undergo
5. Sexual and Romantic Development:
Adolescents start to explore their sexuality and may become interested
in romantic relationships.
They learn about sexual health and may engage in sexual activity,
necessitating education about safe practices and consent.
 Changes Adolescents Undergo
6. Academic and Career Development:
Adolescents make choices about their educational paths and may
begin to consider future career options.
They develop study skills and work habits that can impact their
academic success.
 Changes Adolescents Undergo
7 . Independence and Responsibility:
Adolescents strive for greater independence, including managing
responsibilities and making decisions that affect their lives.
Facts: Nutritional Status of Filipino among
Adolescents
Among adolescents, 11-12 years old
49 in every 100 have normal weights for their height
26 in every 100 are underweight
4 in every 100 are overweight

Source: 6th NNS, DOST-FNRI

Facts: Nutritional Status of Filipino among
Adolescents
Among adolescents, 13-19 years old
68 in every 100 have normal weights for their height
12 in every 100 are underweight
17 in every 100 are mildly underweight
3 in every 100 are overweight

Source: 6th NNS, DOST-FNRI

Nutritional Requirements among
Adolescents
Caloric Requirements: Adolescents typically require more calories than
children due to their growth spurt. The exact calorie needs vary
depending on factors like age, gender, activity level, and growth rate.
Generally, boys require more calories than girls.

Protein: Protein is essential for growth and tissue repair. Adolescents

need an adequate intake of protein-rich foods like lean meats, poultry,
fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
Foods Adolescents Tend to Like:
◦ Fast Food- like burgers, fries, pizza, and chicken nuggets due to their convenience and appealing taste.
◦ Sweets and Sugary Snacks- desserts, candies, chocolates, ice cream, and sugary beverages.
◦ Snack Foods- Chips, popcorn, and other snack foods
◦ Processed and Convenience Foods- Ready-to-eat and microwaveable meals
◦ Pizza- Pizza is a universally loved food among adolescents
◦ Fruit- fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, and strawberries as a healthier snack option.
◦ Pasta and Noodles- Dishes like spaghetti and macaroni and cheese
◦ Smoothies- smoothies made with fruits, yogurt, and sometimes protein powder for a tasty and potentially
nutritious beverage.
◦ Certain Ethnic or Cultural Foods- Adolescents from diverse cultural backgrounds often have an appreciation
for the traditional dishes and flavors of their heritage.
Foods Adolescents Tend to Dislike:
◦ Vegetables- green and leafy ones like broccoli, spinach, and Brussels sprouts
◦ Fish- Fish can be polarizing among adolescents, dislike the taste or texture.
◦ Spicy Foods- lower tolerance for spicy foods, and many may avoid dishes with strong spices or
hot peppers.
◦ Certain Vegetables- peas, beets, or okra may have a higher likelihood of being rejected by
some adolescents.
◦ Unfamiliar or Exotic Foods: Adolescents may be hesitant to try foods from different cultures or
foods they haven't encountered before.
◦ Liver and Organ Meats: organ meats due to their distinctive flavors and textures.
◦ Strongly Flavored Foods- blue cheese, olives, or anchovies, are often not well-received by
adolescents.
Nutrition and health concerns of
adolescents
1. Skipping Meals
- Lack of time
- Lack of appetite
- Preference for sleep
- Spending more time for personal appearance
- No one to eat with
- Acceptance of no-breakfast habit mong peer group
- Lack of prepared breakfast at home
Nutrition and health concerns of
adolescents
2. Poor meals/Lunch
- Poor food choices
- Eating hurried lunches to catch up with classes
- Eating less for fear of becoming overweight
- Absence of a companion to eat with
- Not enough money to buy nutritious meals
- Belief that some foods can cause pimples or acne
Nutrition and health concerns of
adolescents
3. Poor Snacking
- Fast foods
- Preferences for street foods such as kwek-kwek, fish balls
- Consumption of carbonated drinks, salty chips, sweet and sugary drinks
Nutrition and health concerns of
adolescents
4. Practice of Fad Diets
- Experiment with different diets for weight loss or improved build
- Own diet e.g. replace meals with crackers and water
- Popular diets promotes by media or celebrities
THANK YOU