Tag: Parenting teens

According to research published in 2025, health is a primary dietary motivation for many teenagers, though it's not the only factor. For parents and teens alike, understanding why a teenager would become vegetarian is the first step toward a healthy and supported dietary transition.

While sixteen is often seen as a major milestone, with teens gaining new freedoms like driving, the period between ages 16 and 17 involves significant yet subtle shifts in cognitive maturity and legal status. For many, the difference between 16 and 17 is less about a single dramatic change and more about a steady, transitional evolution toward adulthood.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, the body demands more calories during adolescence than at any other time of life. It is completely normal for a 15 year old to eat a lot, as their body undergoes a massive growth spurt, driving an increased need for energy and nutrients. Parents should focus on guiding them toward nutritious choices to support this critical period of development.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases (NIDDK), 13-year-old females need between 1,400 and 2,200 calories daily, and males need between 1,600 and 2,600, depending on activity levels. So, **should I worry about calories at 13?** For most teens, the answer is no, and focusing on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is far more beneficial.