DD16 food concern

[MN224]

My DD16 has a dreadful diet. Despite making healthy dinners and lots of fresh fruit in the house, she will eat biscuits, chocolate, sweets, anything that is not healthy! As she is working now part time she has her own money so will buy these things daily rather than something healthy. Her weight is fine but I know this will not stay like this forever. I do say please eat something healthy but I don’t want her to think I am getting at her weight. Weight is not the issue it is having an awful diet!! Are all teenagers like this??!

How much of this sort of food izs she eating. Looking at meal deals sanwich bag oof crisps for lunch plus gfake healthy bar and chocolate or sweets seems normal.

Does she eat healthy food then also eat chocolate etc?

This not unusual in teens.

I wouldn’t worry too much if her weight is okay. Eating a lot of fruit isn’t a lot better.

She is lucky to have a part time job! Can I ask what it is? My dd16 would love a job.

You could tackle it another way - I bought my dd some metal straws engraved with witty slogans and reminded her that if she has fizzy drinks they are full of acid so she should use a straw and then have some plain water straight afterwards, swill it round her mouth before swallowing.

I also said, “I notice you have been eating quite a lot of sugary food so I have upgraded your toothbrush and got you some disclosure tablets and flossing thread. Can you try and use them?”

Eating a lot of fruit is definitely better, in terms of fibre, nutrients, water content and lower calorie density. Not better for teeth.

If you don’t want her thinking that this is about weight, can you talk about improving her gut health?