Daily dietary guidelines for children 4-8 years
Children need a wide variety of healthy foods from each of the 5 food groups. How much food children need depends on body size and activity levels.
Children need 5 cups (1.2 L) of fluid each day and extra on hot or humid days or if they sweat a lot. Water is the best drink for children. They can also have reduced-fat milk.
Children should avoid soft drinks, fruit juices, flavoured milk or water, sports drinks and energy drinks.
Food groups: daily serves of fruit, vegetables, cereals and grains
Fruit: 1 serve = 1 medium apple, banana, orange or pear; or 2 small plums, kiwi fruits or apricots; or 1 cup diced or canned fruit (no added sugar). Offer 1½ serves each day.
Vegetables: 1 serve = ½ medium potato (or sweet potato or corn); or ½ cup cooked, canned or frozen vegetables (like broccoli, spinach, carrots or pumpkin); or 1 cup green leafy or raw salad vegetables; or ½ cup cooked, dried or canned beans or lentils. Offer 4½ serves each day.
Cereals and grains: 1 serve = 1 slice of bread; or ½ cup cooked rice, pasta, noodles, quinoa or polenta; or ½ cup porridge; or ⅔ cup wheat cereal flakes; or ¼ cup muesli; or 1 crumpet or small English muffin. Wholegrain is best. Offer 4 serves each day.
Food groups: daily serves of dairy, meat and healthy fats
Dairy or dairy alternatives: 1 serve = 1 cup (250 ml) pasteurised cow’s milk; or 1 cup soy, rice, almond or oat milk with at least 100 mg of added calcium per 100 ml; or 2 slices of cheese; or ¾ cup (200 g) yoghurt; or ½ cup ricotta cheese. Choose mostly reduced-fat dairy. Offer 1½-2 serves each day.
Meat and meat alternatives: 1 serve = 65 g cooked lean beef, lamb, veal or pork; or 80 g cooked lean chicken or turkey; or 100 g cooked fish fillet; or 170 g cooked tofu; or 2 large eggs; or 1 cup cooked lentils, chickpeas or canned beans; or 30 g (1½ tablespoons) peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds. Offer 1½ serves each day.
Healthy fats: you can include 1 serve of unsaturated fats per day in cooking, baking, pastes or dressings. 1 serve = 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 g) of olive, canola and rice bran oil or margarine made from these oils; or 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 g) of nut or seed pastes; or 1 tablespoon (20 g) of avocado.
Avoid foods like cakes, biscuits, chips, lollies, processed meats, and fried or takeaway foods. They can be high in saturated fat, sugar and salt.