Daily Calorie Needs for a Growing 7-Year-Old Girl: A Guide

Question
Hello,
HOw many calories should a 7 year old girl get in a day?  How many calories are good to keep her at while trying to "grow into" her weight rather than diet?  We are eating healthy at home but I would still like to have an idea of how many calories are necessary to grow well without gaining too much weight.  Thanks.

Answer
Dear Michelle, Calories for growth vary depending on exercise, metabolism, body type, etc. The average recommended caloric intake for a 7 year old would be about 32 calories per pound. To lose weight, try to limit about 250 calories of that amount per week. The slimkids program averages about 1500-1800 calories per day. Most children can lose weight with this amount while still growing normally, that is provided they can walk thirty minutes per day. Hope that helps, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com