childs calorie intake

[FIRE5149]

anyone know what it is ?? for a 7 year old

[pamnez]

A 7 year old child should not be on a fixed calorie diet.They should just be on a healthy diet.

[ursula62]

Depends on your reason for asking.

If you are worried about your child getting adequate calories then speak to your GP and ask to be referred to a paediatric dietitian if you feel that is necessary. Picky eaters often grow out of their habits if you don't make a big deal about it!

If you are worried your child might be a bit overweight then by far the best way to deal with this is to continue to provide healthy meals, but increase the child's physical activity level rather than reduce their food intake.

 

Children should not be put on diets unless they are clinically morbidly obese, and only then under strict medical supervision (usually in hospital).

[ahar]

children are usually able to regulate their energy intake (Birch and Fisher 1997) and so will usually eat what they feel like, and should not be encouraged to eat more (eg clean your plate or no dessert) or restrict their intake, as their is a risk they will lost this ability and possibly overeat when they are older.