Students' Energy Needs
Children have unique energy needs. This is because they must meet their requirements for everyday activities, as well as the special needs for growth and development.
Children use more energy per kilogram of body weight than adults because they are growing and are (generally) very active.
Energy requirements differ from one child to the next because of genetic predisposition, body size, gender, age, metabolism, and physical activity levels. For example, a six-year old child who is shorter, weighs less and does not regularly participate in physical activity will not need as much energy from food and drink as a taller, heavier 10-year old child who participates regularly in a variety of sports.
Comparing Energy Requirements
An average 10-year-old girl who is moderately active will require 8,500kJ per day. A moderately active boy of the same age needs 9,300kJ per day. (based on a height of 1.39m (boys) and 1.38m (girls); a weight of 31.9kg (boys) and 32.9kg (girls) and an activity factor of 1.8).
It is important that children consume the right amount of energy (or kilojoules) every day. Too many kilojoules can lead to excessive weight gain, while too few can slow or stop growth. It is all about getting the balance right. (NHMRC, 2003).
Active Students Need a Healthy Diet
Active children should consume a wide variety of nutritious foods to ensure they have an adequate intake of all the essential nutrients to live a healthy, active lifestyle everyday.
A healthy diet can allow children to play better and for longer, stay mentally alert, and recover more quickly from sports training and competitions.
Studies have shown that children who eat a nutritious breakfast perform better at school than children who skip breakfast.
Learning to eat a variety of nutritious foods is absolutely essential in childhood as children are using food to help their bodies grow and develop. It is also an important time because long-term eating habits are established in childhood.
Now go to Dietary Guidelines.