Vale Middle School Reading Article
Healthy Eating Tips for Teens (1220L)
Instructions: COMPLETE ALL QUESTIONS AND MARGIN NOTES
Read the following article carefully and make notes in the margin as you read.
Your notes should include:
o Comments that show that you understand the article. (A summary or statement of the main
idea of important sections may serve this purpose.)
o Questions you have that show what you are wondering about as you read.
o Notes that differentiate between fact and opinion.
o Observations about how the writer’s strategies (organization, word choice, perspective,
support) and choices affect the article.
Your margin notes are part of your score for this assessment.
Answer the questions carefully in complete sentences unless otherwise instructed.
Student ____________________________Class Period__________________
Notes on my thoughts,
Healthy Eating Tips for Teens
reactions and questions as I
read:
"You need to eat your breakfast," "that's enough soda," "please lose the junk food and
eat some real food." If you're a typical teenager with parents who always nag you about
what you eat, how you eat, when you eat or don't eat, and the amount of junk food you
consume, these comments will sound familiar to you. Give your parents a break, they
are just doing their job. They want you to eat properly so you'll develop, be healthy, and
keep your moods balanced.
Your body needs certain nutrients to feel well as you go through each day. The most
important meal is breakfast, even though it's probably the most difficult for many
teenagers. Breakfast is even more important if you aren't eating lunch on a regular basis,
and are waiting until after school or until dinner to eat. Your body needs a daily supply
of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to get the fuel it needs for energy
and optimum health.
Protein is a primary component of our muscles, hair, nails, skin, eyes, and internal
organs, especially the heart and brain. Protein is needed for growth, for healthy red
blood cells, and much more. Protein foods include eggs, cheese, soy products, fish,
beans, nuts, seeds, chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. If you are interested in following
more of a vegetarian diet, choose soy products, beans, and nuts to satisfy your protein
needs.
Carbohydrates are our main source of energy and play an important role in the
functioning of our nervous system, muscles, and internal organs. Carbohydrate foods
include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. The foods you should eat in limited
Margolin, L. Better Health USA. December 6, 2011. Available at: