Child Nutrition: Tips For A Healthy Diet

It is important for children to have a balanced, varied diet to make sure they get all the nutrients and energy their bodies need to grow, work properly and maintain a healthy weight. Without this it may affect a child's development - strong bones and a healthy immunity. They're also much less likely to have health problems now and in later life.

Maintain a healthy diet for children by:

• Being a good role model - children learn by example, so encourage your child to eat healthy by doing it yourself.

• Give child size portions - a good rule of thumb is to start meals with small servings and let your child ask for more if they're still hungry. Use smaller plates for younger children, as adult-size plates could encourage them to eat oversized portions

• Eat a balanced diet - giving children food from a variety of food groups and aiming to eat 5 or more portion of fruit and vegetables provides them the nutrients they need.

Carbohydrates are needed for energy

Protein is needed for growth

Fat is needed for balance (the right type of fat)

Calcium is needed for health bones and teeth

Iron is needed for healthy blood

Vitamin A is needed for healthy eyes and skin

Children whose parents encourage them to be active and eat healthily are more likely to stay a healthy weight and grow up healthy. Encourage them to:

1. Eat a healthy, varied diet

2. Be active (children should be active for at least 60 minutes a day)

3. Limit foods and drinks that are high in fat and/or sugar (sugary drinks, sweets, crisps, biscuits, cakes, chocolate and fried foods)