Children 5-12 years

Good eating habits start in children, so a varied diet should be encouraged. A healthy diet will help prevent children from becoming overweight.

Between the ages of 5-12 children tend to be very active and are constantly growing. Therefore meals must provide enough energy and nutrients for this to happen.

     ·      A healthy diet will help prevent children from becoming overweight.

     ·      A good variety and balance of nutrients is needed.

     ·      From this age current dietary advice should be followed.

     ·      Avoid too many sugary and fatty foods.

     ·      Encourage eating of fruit and vegetables.

      ·      Meals should be colourful tasty and fun.

Nutrients needed for good health

·         Protein for growth spurts and tissue repair after injury.

·         Complex carbohydrates for slow release energy.

·         Calcium and Vit D for development of strong bones and teeth.

·         Iron to carry oxygen around the body to prevent tiredness.

·         Vit C to fight infections.

·         Vit B complex to release energy from food and to prevent tiredness.