Good nutrition is important for everyone, especially children. Your child’s body needs help from the nutrients and vitamins contained in foods for their immune system, circulatory system, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system.

According to healthychildren.org, ideal daily calories are about 1000 for ages 2-3, 1200-1400 for ages 4-8, 1400-1600 for girls 9-13, 1800 for girls 14-18, 1600-2000 for boys 9-13, and 2000-2400 for boys 14-18.

Along with the right number of calories, your child needs to eat nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, whole fruits, vegetables including green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

Try to limit the amount of junk food, fast food, and snacks your child eats. These foods contain calories, often in high amounts, but they have very little nutritional value.