Girls have high iron needs, both to replace iron lost during monthly menstruation but also to promote optimal mental AND athletic performance. Both our muscles and our brain rely on iron to function at a high level.
No, not THAT kind of iron. Jeesh.
Animal foods like red meat and poultry are the best sources of iron. Vegetarian foods high in iron include fortified breakfast cereal, legumes (lentils, split peas, black beans) and spinach.
But wait! Quiet! Here we have stumbled upon the elusive Bananas in their natural habitat. They are loaded with Vitamin C, which helps increase the absorption of iron. Eating fruit or vegetables with meals that include foods high in iron give you a double bonus!