Which step is included in the Ten Steps for Promoting Intuitive Eating during Adolescence?

Involving teens in food shopping and meal preparation is a crucial step in promoting intuitive eating during adolescence. This approach empowers teenagers to develop a healthy relationship with food by engaging them in the process of selecting and preparing meals. Through participation, they gain knowledge about nutrition, learn valuable cooking skills, and become more mindful of their food choices. This involvement helps foster independence and encourages them to listen to their body's hunger and fullness cues, which is a core principle of intuitive eating.

Additionally, when teens are actively involved in meal preparation, they may become more interested in trying new foods and developing a wider palate. It also opens up opportunities for discussions about nutrition, health, and personal preferences, reinforcing positive attitudes towards food and eating.

Contrastingly, making negative comments about one’s diet, allowing distractions like devices during meals, or avoiding communication with teenagers about their needs do not promote a supportive environment for healthy eating. These behaviors can undermine a teen's ability to listen to their body, create anxiety around food, and foster a negative relationship with eating, which is counterproductive to the principles of intuitive eating.