As a teen is this a bad idea?

[King Cale]

Hey guys i read about this in a new york times article and i am actually really interested in it! I had some questions and was hoping maybe those that are more experienced could post some information that would help me. Let me give you some information and some questions first.

Age: 15
Gender: Male
Weight: 140
Exercise: Cross country (Averaging about 8-10 miles a day.), Biking ( about 14 miles a day). Then i do cross fit in the afternoons.

Currently i am out of my workouts because i have a surgery coming up for a hernia.  So here come the questions, Should i start the dieting after or before my surgery (Allowing myself time to get the energy to do the sports first or should i jump in to the diet and the sports about same time). As a growing teenager is this diet not for me, Will in not meet the requirements that a daily growing boy needs? Lastly if or when i do start this diet do i instantly cut off all those foods i use to enjoy like cheese-its and ice cream or slowly ween myself off it? Thanks guys! I can post back for any questions you may have!

[Lilnicki]

These are tough questions actually..... because if you ask different people you'll get different answers.... it IS a matter of opinion after all !!!

Here's my take on things for what it's worth....... as a growing young man i would say the nutrient you need most of is protein which you'll get plenty of on this diet......also during and after your surgeries your immune system will need to be in good shape, so plenty of vitamins from fruit and veggies.

If you want to comprimise a little to start with to see how it suits you , then you could always include sweet potatoes and brown rice to give you some carbs (though no bread or pasta as these are processed ).

Here's a typical days diet for me which will give you some idea.....

Breakfast....... grilled bacon, poached egg and wilted spinach

Lunch..... baked sweet potato with tuna/mayo and side salad/seeds (make my own mayo)

Dinner...... grilled turkey breast with roasted veggies and collard greens

Snacks..... nuts/seeds/apple/plum/grapes/nectarine

Drinks....... fruit juice/water/rooibosh tea

Let us know how you're getting on

Nicki

[SidheDraoi]

I agree with Nicki with that its souly a matter of opinion.

I am 5 years older than you but I remember very clearly what it was like being a teenager and my dietary needs and the needs of my brother when he was growing up.  I think Nicki is right when she says that you need mostly protein and that you will definatly get all the protein you need on this diet.  roughly 35-40% of my diet is protein, which is a good amount.  

my cousin is acctually on this diet with me, he is 16. He does alot of skateboarding so that cardio exercise is one of his main sources of workout. He still eats potatos though, but he has completely omitted grains and pastas from his diet and is doing great on it. best thing is to listen to your body and it will tell you what you need.

you seem to do alot of cardio vascular exercise, I find that eating a good amount of nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans etc..) really helps me to keep my energy when I go swimming or running. I always make a mix of fresh fruit and nuts, the fruit gives you an immediate energy boost and the nuts give you a lasting one.

I wish the best!
-Laura

[King Cale]

Okay thanks guys i think i will be talking this over with my doctor and parents to make sure it is alright. I don't want to stunt any of my growth! Anyways would you guys personally suggest doing this after or before my surgery?

[SidheDraoi]

I don't know about wither before or after your surgery is the best time to start. I would talk to your doctor about that. I know when I had surgery I didnt care about what I put in my mouth as long as it tasted good... then again I was on pain killers for 6 weeks so I wasent thinking much haha.

just ask your doctor hahaha    thats your best bet