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3855 Trueman Court | Hilliard, Ohio | 43026
Hilliard Pediatrics, Inc. - Dr. Tim Teller, MD
This guide aims to help you make smart choices about your growing child and teenager’s nutrition.
What used to be called the “Four Food Groups” (Meats, Breads and grains, Milk and dairy, and Fruits and vegetables) is now divided up a little differently. The food groups are now referred to as Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Milk, and Meat and beans. This helps emphasize the importance of the Grains and Vegetables in our diets. A healthy diet includes foods from all of the food groups each day.
This is a good approximation of the average number of calories a healthy child needs every day. There are differences between children, based on whether they are a boy or girl, are physically active, and other factors. What is most important is a child growing well over time. We will follow their height and weight at their routine check-ups.
The following is the average number of calories needed per day. The website www.choosemyplate.gov has excellent information about calories needed per day for your age and weight.
Gender | 4-8 Years | 9-13 Years | 14-18 Years |
---|---|---|---|
Female | 1200 | 1600 | 1800 |
Male | 1400 | 1800 | 2200 |
A 1000 calorie diet would include a daily intake of 3 ounces of grains, 1 cup of vegetables, 1 cup of fruit, 2 cups of milk, and 2 ounces of meat or beans. A 2000 calorie diet would include a daily intake of 6 ounces of grains, 2 ½ cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruit, 3 cups of milk, and 5 ½ ounces of meat or beans. The website www.choosemyplate.gov has helpful specific information about what would be an example of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children of different weights and calorie need.
Many children with a well-rounded diet will not need a daily vitamin. However, if your child does not regularly eat a well-rounded diet, we recommend they take a daily children’s daily vitamin. These are available as liquids, chewables, and “gummi” chewables. Review the label instructions to be sure your child is getting the proper dose. Remember that your child will not “eat better” or “grow better” if they take a daily vitamin.
Last Updated: 07/2019