A Subway 6-inch would be a great lunch for a teenage girl out with friends. If she’s conscious of helping herself be healthy, she could also toss an apple and a bottle of water in her bag, and buy a diet drink when she’s out if necessary.  Another meal option would be a low Calorie single serve pizza or a Heart Foundation approved meal at McDonalds, if she stays away from fries and sticks to a diet drink.     

Continue to keep your home as junk food free as possible and make your home helpful in terms of leading a healthy life. For teenagers, you can also limit how much money you give them, but kids are kids and want to be like their friends on holidays too and do need some freedom to make some choices for themselves. You can help your daughter learn more about healthy foods if you buy a Calorie counter book which includes takeaway foods. Spend some time going through the book with her and chat about calorie and fat contents and what the better options would be when she’s out. This way, you’re teaching her skills for life. If she needs more information then have a look at the Australia’s Healthy Weight Week info at www.healthyweightweek.com.au
 

Dr Clare Collins