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Community Resources

Tufts Medical Center providers offer insight on helpful topics like birth control, healthy eating and more.

Our providers have shared some of these resources at virtual sessions sponsored by the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC). Presentation recordings are available for viewing below:

It’s not always easy to practice healthy eating. Teens don’t always have control over what food is available at home or school. You do have some control over your food choices, so it’s important to focus on what you can change, not what you can’t. That’s called “empowerment.” So get empowered and check out some of these healthy eating tips and handouts to jumpstart your journey to a healthier YOU!

Introduction to eating balanced meals

The foods and beverages you consume affect your energy and how you feel. So it’s really important to fuel your body with balanced meals. Eating balanced requires an understanding of the 3 different forms of fuel we eat; proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (carbs).

Protein comes from any food that walked, swam, or flew before it got to you—poultry, seafood, meats, eggs, and dairy products—as well as plant-based foods like soy and beans.

Fat sources include vegetable oils, nuts, nut butters, dressings, and spreads. Animal sources of food also contain fat (unless removed like the skin on chicken or turkey).

Carbs are found in grains and starches (like wheat, corn, potato), vegetables, fruits and dairy.

Balanced eating involves choosing a combination of the healthiest proteins, fats, and carbs. The healthiest proteins are beans, legumes, soy (tofu, edamame), low-fat dairy, eggs, seafood, skinless poultry, and occasionally lean red meats. Baking, steaming, broiling and stir-frying are the healthiest cooking methods- avoid deep fried proteins!

The healthiest fats are those found in vegetable oils (olive, canola), trans-fat free spreads, light dressings, unsalted nuts, and fatty fish like salmon.

Healthy carbs are less processed meaning they contain more fiber, very little (if any) added sugar, and no trans-fats. Options include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains like brown rice, barley, quinoa, and 100% whole grain breads, crackers and cereals.

Eating balanced provides greater energy and a happier mood throughout your day — check out this guide to understand why.

Our library of healthy eating guides

Design your very own balanced snacks with the help of our Healthy Snack Mix & Match Guide.

Veggies and Fruits are super foods to give you a low-calorie energy boost, especially when combined with lean protein or low-fat dairy. Learn how to mix veggies and fruits with other foods.

Being supermarket smart is necessary for bringing balanced eating into the home! The Grocery Shopping Guide helps you restock your fridge with delicious, nutritious foods.

Confused as to which yogurt, cereal or bread is better? With so many choices, it’s hard to choose. When you Read Nutrition Labels you can compare products and find a nutritious winner.

Once you’ve brought super healthy foods into your home, balanced eating reminds us to eat just what our bodies need. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid feeling sluggish with these “handy” tips on Portion Control.

Show your family that mealtime can be tasty and affordable. Check out the Family Meals Guide for a super tasty and cost-saving turkey cheeseburger, sweet potato fry and veggie dinner sure to impress and satisfy everyone.

Not sure which beverages are fine to drink all the time, sometimes or once in a while? Review our Beverage Chart to find out.

Once in a while everyone goes out to eat. But, fast food can be high in calories, unhealthy fat, and sugar; a combination that can leave you feeling sluggish and stuffed. The Fast Food Guide gives some tasty options at your favorite fast food restaurants.

Don’t become discouraged: You are not alone

Remember, improving your eating is a journey. There might be bumps and detours along the way, but don’t get discouraged. Take small steps because every little change towards a healthier lifestyle counts. Remember to sit down, slow down, and savor the flavor of your food! If you are struggling, contact us for an appointment to develop a nutrition/wellness plan specifically for you.

All copyrightable text, graphics, design, selection and arrangement of information contained herein (“Content”) are copyrighted by Tufts Medical Center, Inc. unless otherwise noted. Other than as expressly permitted, no part of the Content may be copied, modified, reproduced in whole or in part, used or distributed in any form for any purpose without the express written permission of Tufts Medical Center.

Bedsider Methods

Bedsider Methods (Metodos en espanol)

Geared towards sexually active teens but a very well organized guide of all methods, with video testimonials, FAQ, and other info.

Scarleteen Birth Control Bingo

Full explanation of various methods in context from a site with comprehensive, inclusive sexual education information.

Reproductive Health Access Project

Fact sheets with clear information on all methods.

Planned Parenthood Birth Control Quiz

Quiz to help personalize your method from an organization that helps provide and educate around birth control.

Power to Decide Method Finder

Explorer of methods with details and comparisons.

CDC Information for Parents

Explanation of methods and safety.

Office on Women’s Health

Overview of birth control methods from the US Department of Health & Human Services.

Birth Control for Youth

Discussion of by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Also has great links for information on puberty and other health topics.

For All

Boston Public Library Gender and Sexual Orientation Resources

The Gender Book Online–Gender 101

Gender 101 from the Trevor Project–FAQ and other helpful info from “What is gender” to “should I start hormones.”

George (book) by Alex Gino–On the book list for some 4th graders, a first-person fictional account of what it means for a kid to be trans

CDC LGBT Health–Resource for youth, friends, educators, and parents

Human Rights Council–List of resources for gender expansive youth and their families

Gender Nexus–Resources list from Indiana-based community organization

View a list of physicians at Tufts MC and Tufts Medical Center who have experience caring for the LGBTQ population >

For Parents

Helping Your Transgender Teen (Book) by Irwin Krieger–Parent-centric book regarding concerns parents often bring up that can be hurtful to trans kids

For Families in Boston

Boston GLASS–Services of LGBTQ+ youth of color and allies ages 13-29

BAGLY–“BAGLY is a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization committed to social justice, and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs, policies and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community.”

14 locations outside Boston

Counseling:

For Families West of Boston

Framingham GLASS– “Services & community for LGBTQ+ youth of color (+allies) in the MetroWest.”

For Professionals

National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center Resources–Videos, publications, and recorded conferences for medical, mental health, and community professionals

SAMHSA Resource Guide–Free guide from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, A Practitioner's Resource Guide: Helping Families to Support Their LGBT Children

UCSF Guidelines for Gender-Affirming Care– Medical resource from Center of Excellence

World Professional Association for Transgender Health– Standards of Care utilized by most insurance companies

Transgender Teaching Institute- Trainings available for professional organizations

Counseling Services

Therapy Den- Find local therapists for you and your child

Legal

Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition– “Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is an advocacy, education, and community leadership organization that works to ensure the wellbeing, safety, and lived equity of all trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive community members in Massachusetts. We support and advocate for all persons who have been, are being, or might be deprived of equal rights and/or fair treatment because of their gender identity or gender expression.”

Transgender Law Center–Resources, publications, and programs

National Center for Transgender Equality: Healthcare Rights