Providing Nutritious Meals for Children: Children's Nutritional Requirements

As children grow, their nutritional requirements vary because over time they need more energy. These needs are shown in Table 1.1.3. This usually comes from slightly larger portion sizes. It is important to give children correct portion sizes so as to prevent them from becoming either underweight or overweight. Interestingly, children can become overweight even if they are given healthy foods.

Age	Nutritional Needs
1–2 years	Need three meals a day plus nutritional snacks Full-fat milk and dairy products should be offered Milk consumption should be no more than 400 ml a day (two-thirds of a pint) Vitamin D supplement required Five portions or tastes of fruit and vegetables a day Approximate energy requirement in calories: about 1,000 kcal
2–3 years	Need three meals a day plus nutritional snacks If children are not underweight, semi-skimmed milk and low-fat products should be offered Milk consumption should be no more than 350 ml a day Five small portions of fruit and vegetables a day Vitamin D supplement required Approximate energy requirement in calories: 1,230 kcal
3–5 years	Need three meals a day plus nutritional snacks Milk consumption should be no more than 300 ml a day Vitamin D supplement required Salt in foods should be restricted to 2–3 g a day Five portions of fruit and vegetables a day Approximate energy requirement in calories: 1,480 kcal
5–7 years	Need three meals a day plus nutritional snacks Five portions of fruit and vegetables a day Salt in foods should be restricted to 3 g Approximate energy requirement in calories: 1,600 kcal

Foods to Avoid

Low-sugar and artificially sweetened foods and drinks

Ready-to-drink cartons of juice or squash as these are high in calories and are acidic, which can cause dental decay
Foods that are made for adults, e.g. to lose weight, for sport or to reduce cholesterol, such as special margarines, sports drinks and caffeine drinks
Chilled, ready meals and take-away meals as these are high in salt and fat
Crisps and savoury snacks as these are too high in salt and are not sufficiently nutritious
Bran cereals and high-fiber foods as they fill children up too quickly

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