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The amount of food children need varies with age, body size and physical activity.
Three age ranges have been selected for children and
the ranges of recommended serves of foods from the five food groups reflect
different levels of activity and body size.
The lower figures reflect the requirements of young
girls with light activity levels and the higher figures represent the
requirements of older boys with moderate activity levels. Example, for
children 8 –11 years the recommended range of bread, cereals, rice,
pasta and noodles is 4 to 9 serves. Four serves would be the recommendation
for girls 8 years of age with light activity levels and nine serves for boys 11
years of age with moderate activity levels.
Extra foods
Some foods do not fit into the five food groups, example biscuits, cakes,
desserts, pastries, soft drinks, lollies and chocolate etc. Many of these
foods are high in fat, salt and sugar and contain few other essential
nutrients.
These foods can add to the enjoyment of eating a healthy
diet but should not replace foods from the five food groups. Children
who are very active and growing rapidly can eat more of these foods than
children who are inactive or who are gaining too much weight. The best
rule is to eat small amounts or sometimes. |
