The age of adolescence encapsulates a window of time when bodies are rapidly changing and growing as they evolve into young adults. It is the time when adolescents try to boldly establish their own identities yet desperately seek to be socially accepted by their peers. The challenge for the dietetic practitioner is to engage teens with the message of how to fuel their bodies in a manner that allows them increased autonomy in the decision-making process. When the counseling strategies are engaging, the teen’s mind is impressionable and open to new ideas. However, once information is assimilated, teens are still vulnerable to the pressures of peers, media, rebellious acts, and occasional self-destructive behavior.

This self-directed, accredited continuing education activity begins by addressing the body transformations that occur as sexual maturation progresses. The specific nutrient demands for the adolescent growth spurt are presented, along with current recommendations for assessing the needs of adolescents.

This activity will help dietetic practitioners educate teens to make food choices and plan healthy meals based on established guidelines to reduce their health risks. Healthy eating habits instilled early in life may play a vital role in preventing the chronic diseases of aging. Often teens “live for the moment” and do not think far into the future; they make their food choices based on what tastes good now. Unfortunately, with the rise in childhood obesity in the United States and related co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, we are addressing adult health issues in adolescents. Prevention of co-morbidities and long-term complications of these current health threats in adolescents have become a new priority for healthcare professionals.

Adolescents exert their independence by the choices of foods eaten away from home or the snacks and meals they prepare for themselves. The pressure of peers and mass media can impact their decision process greatly. Too often adolescents compare their developing bodies to the ideal bodies of the stars and athletes they see on television or in magazines. Some teens fall victim to endless dieting or even eating disorders.

For active adolescents, the proper fuel can give them the edge to excel in the sports arena. Common advice for pre-event meals, fluid replacement, and refueling will be shared to help dispel common myths that may lead teens astray.

Substance abuse and cigarette smoking are rebellious and risky behaviors that may be experimental initially but can end up addictive or even deadly. It is important to be educated as a dietetic practitioner regarding the nutritional impact of substance abuse and to know what advice to give in the various stages of the addiction.

Finally, the family can play a significant role in modeling healthy eating and exercise behaviors and can assist adolescents on the road to lifelong healthy habits. The benefits of a traditional family meal reach far beyond improving the nutritional health of the adolescent.

As adolescents grow up in a pop culture featuring videos, music, virtual reality games, internet access, extreme sports, and graphic television, how can we compete for their attention and have our nutrition message make an impact? In a survey of 325 dietitians who work with adolescents, the top-rated area in which respondents wanted more training was communicating with adolescents.¹ Interactive tools and tips to improve your communication skills will be presented throughout this CPE program to increase your comfort in working with this challenging age group and provide you with the practical repertoire to approach adolescents with confidence.

This continuing education activity is designed to help you earn 18 continuing education credits for dietetics (CDR CPEU).