Diet and health tips for teens: 10 harmful habits you must avoid

Diet tips for teenagers: 10 trends that do more harm than good

By Namita S Kalla | May 19, 2025 | Image: Canva

Cut out extreme restrictions

Trendy diets like keto or raw veganism  can cut vital nutrients teens need for growth, causing deficiencies and affecting hormones and physical development

Image: Canva

Avoid meal skipping or fasting

Intermittent fasting restricts eating  to time slots, which can disrupt teen metabolism, blood sugar levels, and stable emotional or physical energy

Image: Canva

Say no to detox teas and cleanses

Cleanses often contain harsh laxatives or diuretics that dehydrate the body and promote disordered eating disguised as “clean living”

Image: Canva

Stop obsessive tracking habits

Logging every calorie or macronutrient  can lead to anxiety, perfectionism, and  an unhealthy obsession with controlling  food or weight

Image: Canva

Stop checking weight constantly

It can contribute to unhealthy body  image issues. Encourage teens to focus  on their well-being and how they feel rather than a number on the scale.

Image: Canva

Discourage punishing workouts

Overexercising to compensate for eating can cause injury, delay growth, and promote the idea that food must be earned or burned

Image: Canva

Replace fast food with real food

Protein bars and shakes may seem  convenient, but they lack fibre and  nutrients found in proper meals needed  for teen growth and satisfaction

Image: Canva

Stay away from dodgy supplements

Unregulated pills or powders sold online for weight loss or beauty can mess with hormones and contain risky or unknown ingredients

Image: Canva

Reject thinness as a wellness goal

Teaching teens that health comes in many shapes helps shift the focus from appearance to strength, energy, and wellbeing

Image: Canva

Challenge food moralising

Labelling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ can lead to guilt, restriction, and emotional distress around eating normal, balanced meals

Image: Canva

Next: 10 health benefits of mango peels: Weight loss, digestion, more
Thanks For Reading !
Find out More