Macronutrients

The three categories of Macronutrients, or the nutrients that should make up the majority of a teen's diet are: carbs, proteins, and fats. Each Macronutrient plays an important role in the body composition of a teen, and it is important that teens get an adequate amount of each category from healthy foods.

The first Macronutrient, carbs, comes from the carbohydrate category of macromolecules which is made up of starches. Carbs are important because the provide immediate, short-term energy, which is needed for daily tasks and also more strenuous activities like running/swimming for example. Without carbs, the body would not be getting sufficient energy from other foods to power itself. The recommended percentage that carbs have in the diet makeup of a teen is 45-65%, therefore being the majority and biggest role in providing nutrients to the body. However, it is essential the the carbohydrates that a teenager gets comes from healthy sources, called healthy carbs. These healthy carbs can be found in whole grains and also many fruits and veggies.