Council opening hours throughout Christmas
Some Westmorland and Furness Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. Read the full list of Council opening hours during the festive period.
Eating right and healthy weight
We are surrounded by information about food and nutrition but often we often need help to encourage our children to make the right food choices.
A guide for teens and their families
Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight isn’t about dieting or looking a certain way - it’s about feeling good, having energy, and supporting your body and mind as you grow. For teenagers, this is a time of big changes, and developing healthy habits now can set the foundation for lifelong wellbeing.
What healthy eating means
Healthy eating means getting a balance of different foods that give your body the nutrients it needs. That includes:
- fruit and vegetables: Aim for five portions a day - fresh, frozen, or canned all count
- whole grains: Choose wholemeal bread, brown rice, and oats for lasting energy
- protein: Include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and pulses to support growth
- dairy or alternatives: These provide calcium for strong bones
- healthy fats: Found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and oily fish
It’s also important to drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks and snacks.
Understanding healthy weight
Everyone’s body is different, and healthy weight isn’t about being thin - it’s about what’s right for you. Teenagers grow at different rates, and weight can fluctuate. If you’re concerned about your weight or your child’s, speak to a GP or school nurse for advice that’s tailored and supportive.
Avoid comparing yourself to others or to images online. Focus on how you feel, how your body works, and what helps you stay active and confident.
Building healthy habits
Here are some simple ways to support healthy eating and body confidence:
Eat regular meals
Skipping meals can lead to low energy and overeating later. Try to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with healthy snacks if needed.
Cook and eat together
Preparing meals as a family helps teens learn about food and enjoy shared time. It’s also a chance to talk and connect.
Listen to your body
Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full, and notice how different foods make you feel. This helps build a healthy relationship with food.
Stay active
Exercise isn’t just about fitness - it boosts mood, sleep, and self-esteem. Find something you enjoy, whether it’s walking, dancing, swimming, or team sports.
Be kind to yourself
Your body is amazing and always changing. Focus on what it can do, not just how it looks.
Support and resources
If you or your teen need help with eating habits, body image, or weight concerns, there are trusted places to turn:
- NHS Live Well – Healthy weight
- YoungMinds – Body image and mental health
- Beat – Eating disorder support
- Speak to your GP, school nurse, or local family support service
- BDA the Association of UK Dieticians have a list of Food Fact pages relevant to adolescents
- NHS Healthier Families has facts about what's really in the food your family eats including a sugar calculator
- NHS has information and advice about children's weight, including what you can do if your child is overweight or underweight
Final thoughts
Healthy eating and body confidence are about balance, not perfection. By building positive habits and talking openly, teens can learn to care for their bodies and minds in ways that support their growth, wellbeing, and self-esteem. Families play a key role - your support and encouragement matter more than you know.