Limit fruit juice because it's high calorie and tends to replace regular foods. Don't worry if you have a picky eater. Nutritionists point out that a toddler needs much smaller amounts of nutrients than an adult. They encourage parents to let the child help choose what will be served at a meal and always include at least one item the child will eat in a meal. A common-sense approach to eating based on the USDA food pyramid is best.
Many teens are either obese or worried about dieting.
Male adolescents need about 60 grams of protein daily, about 15 more than an adult male. Plus they need extra calories, since they are growing rapidly and continue to do so until adulthood. Girls need additional iron with the onset of menstruation, about 15 milligrams total daily. In general, girls finish growing two to three years after the onset of menstruation, but they should make sure they eat adequate calcium to offset osteoporosis later on. Belo Interactive Inc., All Rights Reserved.