Staying fit

The current recommendation for teenage exercise is one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week.

Your daughter’s daily calorie intake should depend on: height, weight, age, lifestyle and genetics. Some people need fewer calories than others to maintain a healthy weight.

Calorie recommendations for teen girls:

• 1,600 to 1,800 per day if sedentary
• 2,000 to 2,200 per day if moderately active
• 2,300 to 2,600 per day if active
• 2,800 to 3,000 per day if very active

Eugene Pediatric Associates does not recommend counting calories. Instead, encourage your daughter to make healthy choices by selecting foods from each of the major food groups, eating when hungry, and stopping when full. Go to our special section on teen nutrition to learn more.