For teenagers to meet their iron needs, a dietitian suggests these foods

For teenagers to meet their iron needs, a dietitian suggests these foods

Top marks for… Getting plenty of carbohydrates into all your meals and snacks – this is gold-star fuel for training and keeping your energy levels up. Your milk, yoghurt and even the ice-cream help you meet your calcium needs. This is essential as you are still building bone density.

If you keep eating like this you’ll… Potentially miss out on getting enough iron – especially important for teenage girls, as low iron levels can sap strength, stamina and diminish your ability to train hard. Low iron levels can also affect your immune system, making recovery harder.

Why don’t you try… Adding iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, brown poultry meat, eggs, firm tofu, green vegies or iron-fortified cereal. If relying on plant sources, pairing them with your fruit or juice for vitamin C will help your body absorb the non-haem iron more effectively.

Arisa Trew is part of the Swatch Proteam.

Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.