(Editor's note: Our new sports, fitness and recreation program WANNA PLAY? is a great way for youth to learn the fundamentals of health, fitness and nutrition. Here are few facts that teens can use to get and stay on their games as well!)

Nutrition Tip: Strike Out Fats

Diets high in fat, or consisting of foods made with less nutritious ingredients, can result in short- and long-term health issues for children, including obesity. When choosing what types of foods to eat, youth should avoid foods that are:

• High in sugar or fructose
• Saturated fats or trans fats
• Enriched foods
• Processed foods
• Foods that are made with white flour

Enriched foods are those in which vitamins or minerals have been added to the food that were lost during the refining process. Processed foods are those that have been altered from their natural state, such as canned foods with lots of sodium, packaged cakes and cookies, frozen dinners, white breads, pastas made with refined white flour, sugary breakfast cereals and processed meats.

Teaching Point: Covering All Bases!

There certainly are "good fats" that are helpful for your body. But you can be certain you are avoiding too much fat and processed food by eating lots of whole grains, lean meats such as fish, chicken and turkey, fresh fruit and drinking plenty of water! That means limiting certain fast foods as well and only have them occasionally.

WANNA PLAY? Hey, you're getting there! You are now ready to swing for the fences!