Carbohydrates

Food is the fuel that gives your body energy. Your body needs energy to grow, repair itself and stay active. We measure food energy in calories, and the foods that contain a lot of calories are carbohydrates like potatoes, pasta, bread and cereals. These foods are good as they also contain protein and vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates should be the main part of each meal, and make up about a third of all the food you eat.

You need about the following number of calories each day:

Boys: 2,400-2,800 Girls: 2,200-2,400

Boys tend to need more energy than girls because they are generally bigger.