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Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens

  • Bike Safety

    The sun is shining - why not dust off your bike and go for a ride? Before you hit the trail, though, read these tips on the right type of bike and gear you will need.

  • Choosing the Right Sport for You

    If you're having trouble choosing a sport, this article can help!

  • Compulsive Exercise

    Compulsive exercise can lead to serious health problems. Lots of people don't know when they've crossed the line from healthy activity to unhealthy addiction. Read about ways to tell.

  • Dehydration

    Dehydration is when the amount of water in the body has dropped too low. Read about what causes dehydration, what it does to your body, and how to prevent it.

  • Exercise Log

    Keeping an exercise log is a great way to stay motivated and reach exercise goals.

  • Exercise-Induced Asthma

    Some people have asthma symptoms only during or after exercise. This is called exercise-induced asthma. Here are some tips for coping with it.

  • Motivation and the Power of Not Giving Up

    Everyone struggles with staying motivated and reaching their goals. Just look at how many people diet, lose weight, and then gain it back again. But it's still possible to stay motivated if you take the right approach.

  • Safety Tips: Golf

    While it may seem silly to think of golf and danger in the same sentence, injuries can and do happen. To learn how to stay safe on the golf course, take a look at these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Gymnastics

    Gymnastics is a great sport and a fun way to get a muscular, toned body. But, it also presents a very real risk of injury. To keep things safe during practice and competition, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Hockey

    As fun as it is, ice hockey carries a very real risk of injury. To find out how to stay as safe as possible, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Inline Skating

    Inline skating is good exercise and an excellent off-season training program for hockey and skiing. To stay safe while inline skating, take a look at these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Running

    Injuries can be common, and runners should always be aware of their surroundings. To keep things safe while running, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Soccer

    Soccer is easy to learn at a young age, and it's great exercise. But it's also a contact sport, and injuries are bound to happen. To help prevent mishaps, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Tennis

    Injuries in tennis are rare, but it's good to be aware before you play. To minimize your risk of injury while playing tennis, follow these safety tips.

  • Sports and Exercise Safety

    Playing hard doesn't have to mean getting hurt. The best way to ensure a long and injury-free athletic career is to play it safe from the start. Find out how.

  • Strength Training

    Is working out with weights safe for teens? The best way to build muscle tone and definition is to combine aerobic and flexibility exercises with the right kind of strength training.

  • Stretching

    You may have heard mixed things about stretching before working out. Here are the cold, hard facts on warming up, stretching, and cooling down.

  • Water Safety

    Swimming and other water sports are a great way to beat the heat. Read this article to find out how you can stay safe at the pool, beach, lake - and even the water park.

  • Why Exercise Is Wise

    Getting the right amount of exercise can rev up your energy levels and even help you to feel better emotionally. Find out why.

  • Yoga

    Looking for a workout program that's easy to learn, requires little or no equipment, and soothes your soul while toning your body? Read about yoga - and watch our slideshow for some easy poses to try.

  • 5 Ways to Get Your 5 a Day

    You may know that you should eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Here are some tips on making that happen.

  • A Guide to Eating for Sports

    You've prepared for the game in almost every way possible: but now what should you eat? Read about performance foods, nutritional supplements, and more.

  • Being a Vegetarian

    People choose vegetarianism for a variety of reasons. This article describes different types of vegetarianism and provides advice on ways for vegetarians to get all the nutrients they need.

  • Breakfast on the Go

    Use these breakfast planning ideas to select healthy foods that satisfy your taste buds and get you on your way fast.

  • Calcium

    Your parents were right to make you drink milk when you were little. It's loaded with calcium, a mineral vital for building strong bones and teeth.

  • Cystic Fibrosis: Diet and Nutrition

    Besides extra calories, teens with cystic fibrosis have some specific nutritional needs. Find out more.

  • Cystic Fibrosis: Sample Menu

    This sample meal plan for teens with cystic fibrosis provides a day's worth of meals that add up to about 3,750 calories.

  • Figuring Out Fat and Calories

    From all you hear, you'd think fat and calories are really bad for you, but we all need a certain amount of them in our diets. Find out the truth about fat and calories.

  • Food Allergies

    Doctors are diagnosing more and more people with food allergies. Knowing what to expect and how to deal with food allergies can make a big difference in preventing serious illness.

  • Healthy Eating Away From Home

    We all know the importance of eating well. But how are you supposed to do so when your schedule is so demanding you're never at home? Find out how to make healthy food choices on the go.

  • Metabolism

    Your body gets the energy it needs from food through a process called metabolism. Get all the facts on metabolism in this article.

  • MyPlate Food Guide

    MyPlate is designed to help people make smart food choices. Its different food groups are a reminder of what – and how much – we should put on our plates to stay healthy.

  • Smart Snacking

    Find out how eating nutritious snacks throughout the day can keep your energy level high and your mind alert.

  • Vitamins and Minerals

    Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that the body needs to work properly. They boost the immune system, promote normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their jobs.

  • 5 Ways to Reach a Healthy Weight

    Most dieters regain the weight they lost by dieting when they go back to their old eating habits. Get our tips on the best ways to drop excess weight.

  • Should I Gain Weight?

    Some teens think that they're too skinny, and wonder if they should do something about it. It’s normal to gain weight during the teen years, but trying to put on extra pounds may not be the way to go.

  • Staying at a Healthy Weight

    Here are some practical, everyday tips on making exercise and healthy eating work for you instead of feeling like it's the other way around.

  • What's the Right Weight for My Height?

    One of the biggest questions guys and girls have is whether they're the right weight. Because the body is growing and changing so much during adolescence, it can be tough to answer this question.

  • About Recipes for Teens With Diabetes

    A diabetes educator and dietitian chose these recipes, but they're not just for people with diabetes. Almost anyone looking for nutritious meals and snacks can enjoy them.

  • About Recipes for Teens With Lactose Intolerance

    These recipes are especially for teens with lactose intolerance. Teens with lactose intolerance often need to limit or avoid dairy products.

  • Baked Chicken Fajitas

    This fast, easy dinner recipe is great for people trying to lose weight — or anyone who wants to eat healthy.

  • Bean and Corn Salsa

    This low-calorie vegetarian salsa makes a great after-school snack.

  • Breakfast on the Go

    Use these breakfast planning ideas to select healthy foods that satisfy your taste buds and get you on your way fast.

  • Gingerbread Muffins

    Muffins make a great "grab-and-go" breakfast. You can bake these the night before or keep the batter in the fridge for 2 or 3 days and bake up smaller batches each morning.

  • Grilled Cheese and Pear Sandwich

    This recipe is especially for teens with diabetes, but can be a nutritious part of almost anyone's diet.

  • Hearty Swiss Cereal

    This easy recipe makes a nice change from oatmeal or cold cereal. It's filling and good for vegetarians and people trying to lose weight -- or anyone trying to eat healthy.

  • Homemade Chicken Soup

    Chicken soup can be high in salt, but this "from scratch" recipe allows you to control the amount of salt (and fat) in your soup. Plus, it's easy to make!

  • Kale and White Bean Soup

    This tasty soup is high in nutrients and low in calories. It's great for people trying to lose weight — or anyone who wants to eat healthy.

  • Mediterranean Pasta Soup

    This recipe can be made as either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian soup. It's a great option for people trying to lose weight.

  • Quesadillas

    This vegetarian recipe makes a good weekend lunch for the entire family or a party snack to share with a group. It's suitable for teens who are trying to lose weight.

  • Recipes for Teens With Celiac Disease

    These recipes are especially for kids who need a gluten-free diet. Kids who need a gluten-free diet must avoid foods that contain gluten, which is a type of protein found in many foods.

  • Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

    This smoothie makes a satisfying snack for people trying to lose weight, vegetarians, babysitters looking for kid-friendly ideas -- or anyone who wants to eat healthy.

  • 5 Facts About Goal Setting

    Here are 5 practical tips on goal setting that can help make it easier to set and reach goals.

  • 5 Ways to Reach a Healthy Weight

    Most dieters regain the weight they lost by dieting when they go back to their old eating habits. Get our tips on the best ways to drop excess weight.

  • Are Detox Diets Safe?

    The name sounds reassuring - everyone knows that anything toxic is bad for you. But detox diets aren't good for teens. Find out why.

  • Body Mass Index (BMI)

    One of the biggest questions guys and girls have as they grow and develop is whether they're the right weight. One place to start is by learning about body mass index, or BMI.

  • Figuring Out Fat and Calories

    From all you hear, you'd think fat and calories are really bad for you, but we all need a certain amount of them in our diets. Find out the truth about fat and calories.

  • Staying at a Healthy Weight

    Here are some practical, everyday tips on making exercise and healthy eating work for you instead of feeling like it's the other way around.

  • The Deal With Diets

    With all the focus on dieting, how do you figure out what's healthy and what isn't? Read this article to get the basics on dieting.

  • 5 Facts About Goal Setting

    Here are 5 practical tips on goal setting that can help make it easier to set and reach goals.

  • 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Sports Season

    How can you get ready to play your best season ever? Read these tips for teen athletes.

  • A Guide to Eating for Sports

    You've prepared for the game in almost every way possible: but now what should you eat? Read about performance foods, nutritional supplements, and more.

  • Ankle Sprains

    A sprained ankle is a very common injury that happens when the ligaments that support the ankle get overly stretched or torn. Find out how to avoid ankle sprains and what to do if you get one.

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

    ACL injuries can happen in active and athletic kids when excessive pressure is put on the knee joint, resulting in a torn ligament.

  • Broken Bones

    Bones are tough stuff — but even tough stuff can break. Find out what happens when a bone fractures.

  • Bursitis

    Bursitis, an irritation of the small fluid sacs that provide cushioning in some joints, is often caused by sports-related injuries or repeated use of a particular joint.

  • Choosing the Right Sport for You

    If you're having trouble choosing a sport, this article can help!

  • Concussions

    In a concussion, the brain shifts inside the skull. This can cause a sudden — but usually temporary — disruption in a person's ability to function properly and feel well. Here's what to do if you suspect a concussion.

  • Concussions: Alex's Story

    Alex plays high school football, track, basketball, and lacrosse. He's had two concussions. Here, he talks about his experience and what he learned.

  • Dealing With Sports Injuries

    You practiced hard and made sure you wore protective gear, but you still got hurt. Read this article to find out how to take care of sports injuries - and how to avoid getting them.

  • Dealing With Stress In Sports

    The key to keeping calm when playing sports is to develop a healthy attitude and learn to deal with the stress that comes with competing. Here’s how.

  • Dehydration

    Dehydration is when the amount of water in the body has dropped too low. Read about what causes dehydration, what it does to your body, and how to prevent it.

  • Exercise-Induced Asthma

    Some people have asthma symptoms only during or after exercise. This is called exercise-induced asthma. Here are some tips for coping with it.

  • Female Athlete Triad

    Female athlete triad is a combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea (loss of a girl's period), and osteoporosis (a weakening of the bones).

  • Jumper's Knee

    Jumper's knee is an overuse injury that happens when frequent jumping, running, and changing direction damages the patellar tendon.

  • Knee Injuries

    Healthy knees are needed for many activities and sports and getting hurt can mean some time sitting on the sidelines.

  • Knee Injury: Caroline's Story

    Caroline loved sports. But when an ongoing knee injury kept her from playing the sports she loved, she discovered new interests. Read her story.

  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries

    MCL injuries happen when excessive pressure is put on the knee joint, causing a torn ligament.

  • Nosebleeds

    Although nosebleeds are usually harmless and easily controlled, it may look like a gallon of blood is coming from your nose! Find out what causes nosebleeds and how to stop them.

  • Osgood-Schlatter Disease

    Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is an overuse injury that can cause knee pain in teens, especially during growth spurts. Learn more.

  • Overuse Injuries

    Overuse (or repetitive stress) injuries happen when too much stress is placed on a part of the body, causing problems like swelling, pain, muscle strain, and tissue damage.

  • Safety Tips: Baseball

    Baseball is by no means a dangerous sport. But it can present a very real risk of injuries from things like wild pitches, batted balls, and collisions in the field.

  • Safety Tips: Basketball

    It's fun to play and great exercise, but basketball is also a contact sport, and injuries happen. To stay safe on the basketball court, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Cheerleading

    Cheerleading today requires considerable athletic ability. The more challenging it gets, the greater the risk of getting hurt. Find out how to avoid injuries.

  • Safety Tips: Fastpitch Softball

    Softball is a very safe sport, especially slow-pitch. But in fastpitch, things speed up, and that increases the chances of getting hurt. So keep these safety tips in mind.

  • Safety Tips: Field Hockey

    Field hockey is a contact sport, and injuries are bound to happen. To minimize your risk of injury, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Football

    Football is a lot of fun, but since the name of the game is to hit somebody, injuries are common. To keep things as safe as possible, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Lacrosse

    When everyone's moving so fast and using sticks to sling a solid rubber ball around, injuries are bound to happen in lacrosse. Here's how to avoid them.

  • Safety Tips: Skateboarding

    Skateboarding is undeniably cool, but it's also easy to get hurt. Keep it safe while skateboarding with these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Skiing

    There's a lot to love about skiing, but it can also present some very real dangers. Follow these tips to stay safe on the slopes.

  • Safety Tips: Sledding

    Sledding is a lot of fun, but can also cause injuries, some of them pretty serious. To keep yourself safe while sledding, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Snowboarding

    Snowboarding is a great way to have fun, but it can also present some very real dangers. Follow these safety tips to learn how to stay safe on the slopes.

  • Safety Tips: Swimming

    To keep things as safe as possible for swimming season, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Volleyball

    Following these tips can help protect you from injuries while playing volleyball.

  • Safety Tips: Wrestling

    In wrestling, injuries are bound to happen sometimes. To keep things as safe as possible, follow these tips.

  • Sports and Exercise Safety

    Playing hard doesn't have to mean getting hurt. The best way to ensure a long and injury-free athletic career is to play it safe from the start. Find out how.

  • Sports Physicals

    Just as professional sports stars need medical care to keep them playing their best, so do student athletes. That's why it's important to get a sports physical.

  • Sports Supplements

    Sports supplements are products used to enhance athletic performance. Lots of people who want to improve their performance have questions about how supplements work and whether they're safe.

  • Stress Fractures

    It's not always easy to tell if you have a stress fracture, and stress fractures can get worse quickly. This article explains how to prevent and treat them.

  • Stretching

    You may have heard mixed things about stretching before working out. Here are the cold, hard facts on warming up, stretching, and cooling down.

What next?

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