Making sure your child's diet is diverse and rich in nutritious foods is one way that parents can protect their child's present and future health. In addition to eating the right foods, children also need to consume a certain range of calories each day, based on their individual traits.
Calorie Guidelines for Girls
Young girls ages 2 to 13 should consume about 1,000 to 2,200 calories daily, states MayoClinic.com, and teenage girls ages 14 to 18 should eat approximately 1,800 to 2,400 calories a day. Girls who are older or very physically active tend to require more calories than younger and sedentary girls, although girls in puberty need more calories also.
Calorie Guidelines for Boys
Young boys ages 2 to 13 should eat roughly 1,000 to 2,600 calories every day, while teenage boys ages 14 to 18 should consume roughly 2,200 to 3,200 calories per day. Similar to girls, older, more physically active and pubescent boys typically need more calories than younger, less active or non-pubescent boys.
Regulating Calorie Consumption
Calories provide the energy children need to function and grow. Although some children consume too many calories, which causes them to gain excess weight, most control their calorie intake by paying attention to their body's signals, such as hunger.
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