Final answer:
The characteristic 'regular consumption of three meals per day' is not typical of adolescent eating habits and reflects the answer to the question. Adolescents often have a low intake of nutritious foods, prefer sugary drinks, and have a high preference for fast food and convenience foods. So, the correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking which of the listed options is not characteristic of adolescent eating habits. From the options provided, c. regular consumption of three meals per day is a characteristic that is not typical of adolescent eating habits. Adolescents often skip meals, particularly breakfast, and have irregular eating patterns.
Common characteristics include:
- a. low intake of fruits and vegetables, which is often due to a preference for fast food and processed snacks over healthier options.
- b. soft drinks are preferred over nutritionally dense beverages, with adolescents frequently choosing sugary drinks that offer little nutritional value.
- d. preference for fast food and convenience foods, which aligns with the convenience and taste preferences of many teenagers, but are types of foods that often lead to an unhealthy diet and can contribute to obesity.
It is important to encourage healthy eating habits in adolescents, such as eating more whole foods and being mindful of the nutritional value of their choices to prevent health issues like obesity and its associated risks.