Big Me: 1-5 years

Eating patterns are individual. Even children in the same family have very different likes, dislikes and eating patterns.

Some children happily eat whatever is presented and even ask for more while others seem to live on little more than a couple of small snacks throughout the day.

A child’s good health and development depends on a variety of foods from each of the food groups. The amounts of food will vary from child to child and from day to day depending on the child’s activity, growth spurts, the weather etc.

Planning children’s meals

The table below outlines a recommended daily food pattern for children.

Children need lots of exercise as well as good food, this also stimulates their appetites. Don’t expect your child to eat the same amount if he has been sitting around reading books and playing computer games. Make sure you as a family do some exercise every day. Avoid junk foods too. Lollies, potato crisps, soft drinks and large amounts of fruit juice (more than 100ml/day) can fill your child up with kilojoules but poor nutrition. Make sure these foods are “sometimes” i.e. once a week – not every day.

Confused what to feed, when to feed, what is gluten free? Download our product guide. Here you will find great information foods and snacks. Makes choosing your weekly menu easier with our new recipes.