The Food Groups

Toddlers should be allowed to eat according to their appetite rather than being given a particular portion size. The amount will vary from meal to meal and on a day to daily basis. It is your toddlers own way of regulating how much they need for that day’s activity levels. Portion sizes also vary amongst toddlers and the amount each child eats is ‘normal’ for him or her.

When planning your child’s menu it is important to make sure that all of the 5 food groups are included each day. These are:

Bread, cereals and potatoes
Fruit and vegetables
Milk cheese and yogurts
Meat, fish and alternatives
Foods high in fat, sugar and salt*

* Foods high in fat also contain vitamins A,D and E as well as being a useful source of energy for growth. Foods High in sugar and fat should be offered in addition to, but not instead of, foods from the other 4 food groups. Foods high in salt should be kept to a minimum.

The food groups are the same 5 food groups that are recommended for adult healthy eating, but for preschool children the quantities are different.