junk food and sugar

[westernlights]

At what age do teens actually realise buying sweets constantly is no good for their skin/health/weight and make better choices?

My DD 14 would eat junk permanently if she could, I limit treats at home but when she is with friends they all seem to buy sweets, drinks and crisps without a thought. Then complain to each other that they are getting fat.

It’s really not normal for 14 year olds to be complaining to each other about getting fat. One would think that the natural consequence part of their brain would begin to kick in in this instance though! Have you actually spoken to your DD about it?

Sounds normal to me, i remember spending all of my paper round ££ on sweets, pop, snacks for sleepovers, chip shop, Chinese, school dinners… anything edible pretty much!

Yes I talk regularly about it, to the point it's probably too much nagging.

Think one minute they are lured into treats at Starbucks, mcds etc then next minute comparing themselves to instagram models.

nothing to add except I feel your pain! Endless junk for my 13 year old DS too. I try and have healthy snacks at home but when out with mates it's nothing but sh*t!

Always used to amuse me seeing all the teenagers from 'wholesome middle class homes' (& I include my own DS) stuffing their faces with ginsters pasties, red bull and doughnuts on the way home from school. . Isn't it part of the thrill of suddenly being able to choose and buy your own food ... I am sure I was the same as a teenager.
Most will grow out of it ... my 23 year old is boringly sensible about what he eats now.

Yes that's very true, the forbidden foods suddenly available away from parental eyes.

Yes it's probably an I going battle for a few years yet..along with every other battle teens bring

This!!!

It's only a battle if you make it one. Concentrate on providing healthy homemade food when she is at home, and close your ears to the rest unless she has put on or lost loads of weight.

Unless she actually does get fat or it’s causing clear issues (extreme fatigue or brain fog, bad acne, racing heart or any symptoms), I’d just let it go and focus on having good stuff at home. Good breakfast and good dinner, does she take part in a sport or do any activity?

As for when they change? It’s different for everyone - if she’s body conscious she might get into gym or running soon and that might change her eating habits. I ate pretty bad throughout college with lots of takeaways but it evened out at 22/23 and I started to love walks and running. Once you’re exercising you want good food more otherwise you’re super sluggish.