Healthy Eating for your Child

A healthy, balanced diet is especially essential for children, as they are still growing and developing.^1,2

Children who are 3 years and older can already eat any food, provided there are no feeding issues or concerns. It is important, however, to teach them that their diets must be varied, and should include even those foods that they do not necessarily like, such as fruit and vegetables. A healthy diet can go a long way to avoid bad eating habits, and can only benefit your children. ^1,2

Each of the 5 food groups provide nourishment, and should be included in your children’s diet: ^3,4

Fats in the diet are also important and should not be avoided completely. Cooking with mono- and poly-unsaturated oils, such as such as canola oil, olive oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil and corn oil is an excellent way to ensure your children are still getting healthy fats in their diet. ⁵

References:

1. Nicklas TA, et al. J Am Diet Assoc 2008;108:1038-1047.
2. Zelman KM. Kid Nutrition: Quick Tips for Parents. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/kid-nutrition-quick-tips-parents?print=true Date Accessed: April 2021.
3. Food variety and a healthy diet. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-variety-and-a-healthy-diet Date Accessed: April 2021.
4. Nutrition and Menu Planning for Children in the Child Care Food Program. Available at: http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/childrens-health/child-care-food-program/nutrition/_documents/nmp-workbook-2013.pdf Date Accessed: April 2021.
5. Mayo Clinic Staff. Nutrition and healthy eating. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fat/art-20045550?p=1 Date Accessed: April 2021.

Serving suggestions and ideas of the 5 food groups

table

Reference: Choose My Plate. Available at: https://www.choosemyplate.gov./ Date Accessed: April 2021.

Helpful Do's & Don'ts

table2

Reference: Choose My Plate. Available at: https://www.choosemyplate.gov./ Date Accessed: April 2021.

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Healthy & balanced eating

Whole grains: for fibre and energy, and this group includes brown rice, bread, cereals, pasta, and oatmeal.

Vegetables: for fibre, vitamins and minerals, and this group includes carrots, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms, squash, onions, peas, beans, cucumbers and other green leafy vegetables.

Fruits: for fibre and vitamins, and this group includes apples, pears, bananas, melon, grapes, oranges, naartjies, peaches, plums, mango and paw-paw.

Dairy products: for nutrients, calcium and protein, and this group includes milk, soymilk, yoghurt, cheese and cream. It is important to mention that some dairy products should be given in moderation, due to the high fat content that they provide, such as cheese and cream.

Meats, beans and fish: for protein, and this group includes meat, poultry, seafood, beans, peas, nuts, seeds and eggs.

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