Eat Right for Your Hype

Find out what you should be eating for your body type.

Dr. Janet Taylor

Carrots

Hype means to increase or publicize... ya know, hype up. So look at this list - which part of yourself do you want to make larger or intensify?

Is it your?

Brainiac, smart intelligent side?

Fast, always 'jettin on the go' gig?

Sporty, sweaty , athletic vibe?

Got one? Good, cause how you eat can affect how you think, behave and your attitude.

Your body needs energy to live and grow. It gets that energy from food. There are three main sources of energy from food - carbohydrates, protein and fat. You need different combos of all of these to stay healthy and grow. And depending on what your hype is, there are different ways to use the food that you eat to your advantage. And who doesn't need an advantage?

Brainiac

If you want to be smarter, besides studying harder, EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST. Sounds simple, but what did you eat this morning? Sugarcoated cereal or a pop tart? When you eat breakfast, you can concentrate more, have more energy and do better on tests. A good breakfast needs fruits, protein, calcium and fiber. It doesn't have to be eggs and toast. You can have a slice of pizza if you eat some veggies or yogurt with it. Eat a bean and beef burrito for fiber and protein. Be creative, but stay away from junkfood loaded with sugar in the AM.

Fast

If you are always on the go, then you're probably a take-out king or queen. This is not good. Most fast foods are high in fat and salt and sugar that equal empty calories. That means you gain weight but in an unhealthy way, which gives a whole new meaning to supersize. For example, you probably need about 70 grams of fat a day in your diet. One supersized combo almost gives you that much. Ask at the counter for a nutritional guide. Check out the fat and calories of the foods that you crave. Don't always order fries or soda. Drink water or get a salad. Watch the super-sizing and ask yourself do I really need this?

Sporty

Jocks you need to eat healthy too. By eating right, you can help your performance and workout. Not only is it important for you to eat the right foods, but to eat enough to give your body the energy that it needs. For girls ages 11-18 you need about 2200 calories a day, boys ages 11-18 need about 2500-3000 calories a day.

Depending on how active you are, you may burn more. Active muscles need carbohydrates. So foods like breads, grains, pasta fruits and vegetables are great. Some protein is good, but stay away from too much fat. Drinking lots of water is a given. Your body needs water to avoid getting dehydrated. Sports drinks and power bars can help, but always check what's in them.