Food is an essential component to a person’s life, providing nutrients, energy, and so much more benefits. It is especially important to teens who are growing. As they slowly become adults, they need to develop healthy habits and learn how to maintain them. But in many cases, young adults are not eating what is considered, “an adequate amount” by the FDA. Therefore the question that stands is, do teens meet the healthy eating requirements set forth by the people who study the FDA (Federal Drug Administration).

According to the FDA, a diet made up of 2,000 calories is considered sufficient for both teens and adults. It is hard for a person to calculate the number of calories one eats throughout the day, which is why it is usually difficult for one to follow this diet.

A survey conducted by The Maroon asked 94 students about their eating habits. Although 66% of the students believed that they eat enough throughout the day, 79.8% of the students contradicted that statement when asked if the school’s lunch fulfills their hunger. The 79.8%  only comes to prove that at a time of their day, they don’t eat what is considered enough.

In order to follow this so-called “2,000 calorie diet,” students must consume five meals a day. But when we asked the students how many meals they consume per day, 47.9% said they eat three meals a day.

So are students really eating enough? 77.7% answered no when asked if they follow a diet, yet 75.5% “value” eating healthy. It is important to note that the flaw in this is that many may find it hard to follow a certain diet. It may not be because a person does not want a diet, but because time throughout the day is not available for one to eat “sufficiently” healthy foods. Sports, clubs and other activities may get in the way of eating five meals a day.

Even though it is not a requirement, it is recommended for teens and even adults to consume this all around, healthy diet. This diet consists of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks before and after lunch. It is made up of a balanced diet to maintain your health in good shape. It is important to note that this is a general diet and not meant for a specific body type. Overall, dieting is not made for everyone, for it requires time and effort. Responsibility truly ties in with food, as silly as it sounds.

– Kimberly Franco