Carbs, Proteins, and Fats...Oh my!

An active teen's carbs should provide good amounts of antioxidants, blood sugar and keep insulin levels stable. Some examples of healthy carbs are fruits, vegetables, whole grain, whole wheat, and brown rice. Some bad carbs are fried food, table sugar, candy, white bread, fast/junk food and soda. As an active teen you can eat bad carbs but not all the time, you must make sure that you balance it out with healthy carbs.

Proteins can be found easily in meats, nuts and tofu. Protein is used for muscle growth and energy. On average active teens need 180 grams of protein per day. Proteins build up, maintains and replaces the tissues in your body. All of your muscles, organs and immune system are made up mostly of protein. Your body uses protein to make hemoglobin, which is a part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of your body. Some proteins are used to build cardiac muscles such as your heart. Proteins are made up of amino acids, there are tons of different amino acids but scientists know a lot about a specific 22 which are very important to human health.

Many people think that all fats are bad and you dont need them to live. Actually an active teen needs 69 grams per day. One essential fatty acid is omega-3, but the body cannot make them. They are obtained in different types of food. Such as, tuna, salmon, halibut, and also other seafood like krill and algae. Research shows that omega-3's reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases. The brain has a high concentration of omega-3's and it is important for brain memory and performance.