Which of the following is a healthy eating recommendation for people aged 14-21?

• A. Consume 2,000-3,000 calories a day
• B. Limit protein intake to less than 20%
• C. Ignore added sugars
• D. Eat only from one food group

Answer: (A)

Teens have higher energy and nutrient needs because of growth and activity, so a practical daily calorie target is about 2,000–3,000 calories, adjusted for how active they are. This range helps support growth, brain development, and daily activities while leaving room for a variety of nutrients from different foods.

Protein is important for building and repairing tissues, so restricting it to under 20% could leave teens short on what they need. Added sugars should be limited because they add calories without essential nutrients and can contribute to health problems over time. And meals should include foods from several food groups rather than just one, to ensure a full range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

So the healthy eating recommendation for this age group is a daily intake around 2,000–3,000 calories, tailored to activity level.