Teens sometimes try to be healthier by choosing specific foods that seem to be more nutritious.
But many indulge in foods that are actually very unhealthy.
A common misconception is that drinks from Jamba Juice are healthy because they contain fruit.
“Jamba Juice has vitamins and fruit,” said freshman Nick Kane. “I go to Jamba Juice because it tastes good.”
But Jamba Juice uses both real fruit and processed fruit juices from concentrate.
A 24-ounce Razzmatazz smoothie from Jamba Juice contains a whopping 440 calories. This is as much as a McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger.
Although believed to be healthy, granola bars often have very little protein and are not as nutritious as people may think.
“Granola bars are essentially cookies,” said dietitian Nora Norback in the Contra Costa Times.
Protein bars may seem adequate for instant energy and nutrition, but they contain unhealthy trans-fats, unnecessary amounts of protein, and may contain hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Some protein bars are filled with so much sugar that one might as well be munching on a candy bar.
Some students prefer microwavable dinners, such as Lean Cuisines, to a prepared meal because they are considered to be healthy.
Although they are easy to prepare, they have health effects that may be unexpected.
Microwavable dinners are popular because they are quick and easy to prepare, but contain high amounts of sodium because they are processed foods.
“Microwavable dinners are easy and convenient,” said sophomore Vivek Manickam. “People probably don’t think twice about its health risks.”
According to MayoClinic.com, a website for medical information, 77 percent of a person’s sodium intake comes from processed foods.
Too much sodium may result in high blood pressure, and may eventually lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney damage.
With such negative effects from unhealthy foods, some teenagers are very aware of the nutritional content of the foods they’re eating.
“In previous generations, people were definitely not as health conscious,” said Nikki Brar, mother of Cal High sophomore Nivaz Brar. “Since foods were less processed and more natural, there was a less concern.”
Growing in popularity because of increased health-consciousness, organic foods are often imported. Though the products are more expensive, people continue to purchase them.
Awareness of increasing obesity levels has led to more people choosing sugar substitutes, such as Splenda and Equal.
Food and Drug Administration scientists studied the effects of excess amounts of these sugar substitutes and found that they are potentially cancerous in rats.
Even though there have been no signs of cancer that could harm humans, excess amounts of sweeteners have been deemed unhealthy.
Those who are health conscious often find that when going out to eat, it is hard to find a nutritious meal.
But recently, restaurants have included many meals that are nutritious to benefit their customers who prefer healthy diets.
Still, some people believe that one should not worry about calories when going out for dinner.
“If someone were to eat a meal at a restaurant, one might as well enjoy it,” said junior Maria Ellman.
Even though nutritious meals are hard to come by, through awareness, more students can lead healthier lives.