Teenagers may seem like they don’t need your help with anything, but as a parent, you know that this simply isn’t true. When it comes to proper nutrition, your growing teen needs you more than ever. Here are a few smart tips to help ensure that your teenager is eating the right foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

1. Have regular meals together. Eating together doesn’t just bring you closer as a family, it also ensures that your son or daughter eats a well-balanced dinner every evening. Prepare meals with lots of whole grains, lean meats and fish, and fresh vegetables.
2. Prepare more food. As your child becomes a teenager, his or her appetite will begin to increase dramatically. Keep teens energized by serving larger portions at mealtime and keeping lots of healthy snacks on hand.
3. Limit saturated fats and sugars. Even if your teen loves to snack on potato chips and chocolate candies, these things can contribute to certain diseases later in life. Try to limit the foods that contain saturated fats, sugars, and sodium in your household.
4. Increase calcium intake. Because teenagers typically go through growth spurts, they require much more calcium than children and adults. Serve low fat milks, yogurt, or even calcium supplements. Ask your child's doctor for advice.

Nutrition for Children and Teens [HelpGuide.org]
A Teenager’s Nutritional Needs [HealthyChildren.org]
Do Teens Have Different Nutritional Needs Than Adults? [SF Gate]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Kathy

Commune with nature at Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton. This 149 acre preserve provides habitat for hundreds of species to call home. Free and open to the public 365 days a year, there are three miles of well-maintained trails that traverse wetlands and forests. Take a load off on one of the many benches along the way where you can be still and watch wildlife like birds, turtles, snakes and lizards. The center offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature in a safe and supportive way. There are classes available for children as young as 18 months as well as overnight summer camps for teenagers. Check their website for upcoming programs.

Woodcock Nature Center
56 Deer Run Road
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 762-7280
www.woodcocknaturecenter.org
www.yelp.com/biz/woodcock-nature-center-wilton

Public Domain/Public Domain

Italian food with a Greek twist – that’s what you’ll find at Jordan’s Restaurant and Pizza

Located on Westport Ave. near Andrew’s Field, Jordan’s is a family restaurant serving terrific pizza and entrees. Come for lunch or dinner — you'll be welcomed with open arms. For an appetizer, you can go for an Italian option like calamari, or Greek with a slice of spinach pie or stuffed grape leaves. One of the favorites is the Pella Salad, served in a bread bowl with Nick’s famous dressing. Then, the sky’s the limit! Gourmet pizzas, Greek specialties, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, seafood, baked chicken and veal dishes – Jordan’s has it all at a price that’s right. Bring your friends, bring you family or get an order for take-out.

Jordan’s Restaurant and Pizza
369 Westport Ave
Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 846-9557
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jordans-restaurant-and-pizza-norwalk-2