Food Pyramid

The healthy food pyramid is a handy way of planning meals and an easy way of seeing how much of which foods to feed your child to give them a healthy, balanced diet. The exact amounts will of course depend on age, size and activity level, and also remember that appetites vary from day to day.

Breads cereals and potatoes

Choose at least 6 or more of the following each day:

  • 1 bowl of breakfast cereal or
  • 1 slice of bread or
  • 3 dessert spoons of cooked pasta/rice or
  • 1 medium potato - boiled or baked

Note: If physical activity is high, up to 12 servings may be necessary

Fruit and vegetables

Choose at least 5 or more of the following each day:

  • ½ a glass of fruit juice or
  • 3 dessertspoons of cooked vegetables or salad or
  • Small bowl of homemade vegetable soup or
  • 1 medium sized fresh fruit or
  • 3 dessertspoons cooked fruit or tinned fruit (preferably in its own juice)

Milk, cheese and yogurt

Choose any 3 of the following each day:

  • 1/3 of a pint of milk or
  • 1 pot of yogurt or
  • 1 oz of cheese

Low fat milk is not suitable for young children

Meat, fish and alternatives

Choose any 2 of the following each day

  • 2oz cooked lean meat or poultry or
  • 3oz cooked fish or
  • 2 eggs (not more than 7 per week)
  • 9 dessertspoons cooked peas/beans or
  • 2oz cheese or
  • 3oz nuts (not suitable for young children)

Sparingly

  • Use oils and fats sparingly.
  • Limit the frequency of foods high in sugar and fat.

More Information