As teenagers navigate through a phase of intense growth and development, the role of nutrition cannot be overstressed. It’s not just about fueling rapid physical and cognitive growth; it’s about instilling robust immune function and sowing the seeds for lifelong health habits. Carolina Miranda’s approach to adolescent nutrition is to engage the whole family, creating a supportive environment that encourages sustainable healthy choices.

Protein is the building block of this developmental stage, and Carolina emphasizes the importance of variety—from lean meats and poultry to plant-based sources like beans and nuts. She works with families to incorporate these elements into daily meals, ensuring teenagers receive the full spectrum of amino acids necessary for growth and repair.

Carbohydrates are the primary energy drivers, and Carolina advocates for whole grains that offer sustained energy, key vitamins, and vital minerals. She educates families on the impact of sugar on energy levels and mood, guiding them towards whole-food snacks for steadier blood sugar management.

Fruits and vegetables are the palette of nutrition, painting a diet rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants. Carolina encourages a rainbow of produce in the family diet, making the most of seasonal, frozen, or canned options to enrich every meal with color and nutrients.

For bone health, she emphasizes the importance of calcium, not just from dairy but also through alternative sources like fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and seeds, ensuring that dietary preferences and intolerances are accommodated.

Hydration, often overlooked, is another cornerstone. Carolina educates teenagers on the benefits of water over calorie-laden beverages, promoting hydration as a fundamental part of the wellness journey.

In Carolina Miranda’s practice, adolescent nutrition is a harmonious blend of science and habit formation, with the family as a critical partner. She empowers not just the teenagers but their families, fostering a collective commitment to healthy choices that resonate well beyond the teenage years.