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The toddler years (2-5 years) are an important time for your child in terms of growth and development, and good nutrition is fundamental to healthy development. Additionally, it has been suggested that early dietary habits can impact both your child's immediate health and their health in later life.
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Food Pyramid - The Food Groups
The Department of Health and Children have developed the food pyramid which categorises food into groups, providing guidelines on portions sizes and the number of servings to be eaten from each group on a daily basis. However, children under 5 years require fewer servings and smaller portions which should gradually increase up to the guidelines recommended in the food pyramid. It is important to remember that a toddler's food intake and their rate of progression will be in accordance with their own individual growth and development. |
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Bread, Cereals & Potatoes
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Main function: Provides energy.
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Recommended servings: 1-3 years: 4 servings per day; 3-5 years: 4-6+ servings per day. Active children may have a higher energy requirement, and therefore, will require more servings from this food group.
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Examples of a serving: One slice of bread, one small bowl of cereal, three dessertspoons of boiled rice/pasta.
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Advice specific to young children: Whilst wholemeal and wholegrain varieties can help prevent constipation, too much fibre can make children feel very full very quickly, thereby, reducing their appetite for other foods.
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Fruit & Vegetables
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Main function: Provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for overall health and wellbeing.
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Recommended servings: 1-3 years: 2-4 servings per day; 3-4 years: 4+ servings per day; 5 years: 5 servings per day.
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Examples of a serving: One medium-sized fresh fruit, one small bowl of homemade soup, three dessertspoons of salad or vegetables.
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Milk, Cheese & Yogurt
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Main function: Provides calcium and a range of other nutrients required for health and wellbeing.
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Recommended servings: Three portions of dairy per day is recommended for children of all ages.
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Examples of a serving: 1/3 pint of milk, one carton of yogurt, one matchbox-sized piece of hard cheese (1oz).
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Advice specific to young children: Cows milk may be used in the preparation of foods from six months of age, but should not be introduced as a drink until one year. Whole milk is recommended for young children. Semi-skimmed or low-fat milk may be introduced from two years of age once your child is eating well. However, skimmed milk is not recommended for children under five years of age.
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Meat, Fish & Alternatives
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Main function: Provides protein for growth and development and other essential nutrients e.g. iron which is required for healthy red blood cells.
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Recommended servings: 1-3 years: 2 small servings per day; 3-5 years: 2 servings per day.
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Examples of a serving: One small pork or lamb chop, one medium sized-fillet of fish, two eggs.
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Advice specific to young children: Encourage children to eat unprocessed meat and fish as processed options tend to be lower in nutrients.
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"Top Shelf Foods"
Included in this category are sweets, biscuits, fizzy drinks, cakes and many savoury snacks. These foods should only be consumed occasionally and in very small amounts as they tend to be low in nutrients and high in sugar and/or fat.
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