What Are Daily Food Requirements for Children?
Because America struggles with obesity, the food pyramid has undergone major reconstruction, with a greater emphasis on fruits, veggies and whole grains. Children's daily food requirements are different as they grow, but should always include all major food groups.
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Toddlers
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An average-sized toddler with a sedentary lifestyle should consume 1000 calories a day. However, if your child is moderately active his intake can increase up to 200 calories, and for very physically active children add between 200 to 400 calories a day.
The American Heart Association recommends the following servings: 2 cups of milk or dairy, 2 ozs. of lean meat or beans, 1 cup of fruit, 1 cup of veggies and 3 ozs. of grains. The total percentage of daily fat intake should not exceed 35 percent.
Children 4 to 8 Years Old
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An average, school-aged child under 8 should eat: 2 cups of milk or dairy, 3 to 4 ozs. of lean meat or beans, 1.5 cups of fruit, 1 to 1.5 cup of veggies and 4 to 5 ozs. of grains each day, fat should not exceed 35 percent of their 1200 calories (for girls) or 1400 calories (for boys).
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"Tweens"
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A female between 9 and 13 years old should consume a 1600 calorie diet, whereas a male of the same age should consume a diet of 1800 calorie. The serving recommendations are as follows: 3 cups milk or dairy, 5 ozs. lean meat or beans, 1.5 cups of fruit, 2 to 2.5 cup of veggies, and 5 to 6 ozs. of grains. Under 35 percent of these calories should come from fat.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit veggie stand image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
