Dr. Anastasia Searcy, DO is a family medicine specialist in Vermillion, SD and has been practicing for 8 years. She graduated from Des Moines Univ Coll Of Osteo Med & Surg in 2007 and specializes in family medicine.
Girls aged 11 to 13 need 1,800 to 2,200 calories per day while those between the ages of 14 and 18 need 1,800 to 2,400 calories per day, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. One of the main factors affecting the calorie needs of teenagers is activity level.
Girls need approximately 2200 calories, while boys need 2500-2900 calories. Protein. Protein is also necessary for physical growth, and should account for 15-20% of total calories. However, protein deficiency is quite rare in the United States, so protein consumption need not be overemphasized unless the teen is following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Fat. Many teens consume too much fat. Like adults, the diets of teenagers should contain no more than 30% of calories as total fat and 10% of calories as saturated fat. Teens should limit high-fat junk foods, and include foods containing essential fatty acids including walnuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and cold water fish. Calcium. Nearly half of all skeletal growth occurs during adolescence.