Can adolescents skip staple foods

It is not recommended to avoid staple foods for a long time during adolescence. Staple foods are the main source of energy for the human body and are crucial for growth and development. Adolescence is a critical stage of rapid physical development, with a significant increase in demand for energy and nutrients. Staple foods, such as rice, noodles, Mantou, are rich in carbohydrates and are the direct energy source for brain and muscle activities. Long term lack of staple foods may lead to problems such as blood sugar fluctuations, decreased attention, and lack of physical strength. Adolescents during their growth and development period should have a daily carbohydrate energy supply ratio of over 50% of their total energy. Completely skipping staple foods may affect height development, menstrual cycle, and immune function. In special circumstances such as short-term weight management, the proportion of staple foods can be adjusted appropriately under the guidance of a nutritionist, but it is necessary to ensure a daily intake of at least 100 grams of carbohydrates. When some teenagers choose a gluten free diet due to digestive problems, they can use sweet potatoes, corn, and other alternatives to traditional grains. However, complete withdrawal from staple foods may pose risks such as ketoacidosis and micronutrient deficiencies, and obese individuals should prioritize whole grains over complete fasting. Adolescence diet should focus on balanced nutrition, with priority given to low glycemic index foods such as brown rice and whole wheat bread as staple foods, paired with sufficient amounts of high-quality protein and vegetables. If there is a need to adjust the dietary structure due to special reasons, it is recommended to develop personalized plans under the guidance of professional physicians or nutritionists to avoid blindly following extreme dietary habits that may affect healthy development.