It was always stated that kids need their nutrients because of their growing bodies. However, how much nutrients or calories do kids really need in order to grow healthy? There is not one set number of calories that will work for all kids. Kids come in all different sizes and shape and their bodies all metabolize food differently. Some may be more active then others requiring them to consume more calories or some may have a medical conditions also requiring them to consume more calories. For the most part a child’s body does a pretty good job helping kids regulate how much calories they should eat by hunger and feeling of being full.
If you’re still looking for a the amount of calories a kid should eat, you’ll find that that kids eat any where between 1400-3500 calories a day depending on their gender, age and lifestyle. Boys tend to need more calories then girls. And for both girls and boys once they reach puberty they need more calories as well. And if your kids are active they will need more calories to account for their lifestyle. According to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) a good general guideline for kids is the ages 4-13 needs 1400-2000 calories a day, 14-18 needs 2000-2400 calories a day.
One thing to keep in mind: Parents should not count kids calories or encourage kids to keep track. This informations should be used as a guideline when preparing kids meals. Kids should not be placed on a food restriction diet without consulting their dietitian or doctor.
Resources
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Putting_school-day_calories_into_persective-2_395073_7.pdf
http://www.eatright.org/kids/article.aspx?id=6442459420
http://kidshealth.org/kid/nutrition/food/calorie.html#
