Nutrition Facts for Healthy Kids
With so much confusing nutrition information available on the internet, Healthy Kids has chosen some topical healthy eating topics that are relevant to Australian children and families to provide you with some accurate information.
If there is a particular nutrition topic you would like information on, which is not on this page, please contact the Association for further information; info@healthy-kids.com.au
Tips for Fussy Eaters
Establishing good eating habits in our children is challenging however very important so that they get the right ‘fuel’ to grow and develop properly. Read more tips for fussy eaters here.
Tips to Help Children Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Developing healthy eating habits in childhood can set children up with good eating habits for life. Read more tips for children's healthy eating here.
.png)
Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia
In 2003, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) endorsed the following guidelines. More
.png)
What is a Balanced Diet for Children?
The Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia (DGCA) recommends that for optimal health, children should “enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods”. Find out more about a balanced diet for children here.
.png)
Calcium
The latest Australian National Nutrition Survey revealed that 77% of girls and 64% of boys aged 12 to 15 years were not getting the recommended daily requirement for calcium. More
.png)
Salt
The sodium in salt is an essential mineral for balancing water levels in the body and it also regulates nerve impulses and muscle contractions. However, too much can promote high blood pressure and heart disease. More
.png)
Fluid Facts
Drinking fluid is essential to stay alive. Water is the best fluid for everyone to drink as it is important for temperature regulation, digestion, transportation of nutrients around the body, kidney function and elimination of waste products. More
.png)
Why Water?
Regardless of their appeal to children, sweetened drinks can have adverse affects on health if consumed in excess amounts. Children who regularly drink soft drink and other sweetened drinks are more likely to be overweight and suffer from tooth decay. More
.png)
Fruit Juice
Fresh fruit is low in energy (kilojoules). But we all know how little juice comes out when you squeeze it. You need to use several pieces of fruit to get a small cup. So quenching thirst by drinking juice can easily lead to excessive energy intake and weight gain. More
.png)
Ingredients in Disguise
The Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia recommend we eat less fat, sugar and salt and more dietary fibre. All these substances can appear on food labels ‘in disguise’. Download PDF
.png)
Gluten Free Facts
Coeliac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have coeliac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. More
Caffeine
There is not enough research, especially Australian research, to determine a safe level of caffeine consumption for children. Read more about Healthy Caffeine levels for kids.
.png)
Healthy Snacks for Kids and Adolescents
Children and adolescents may not get their energy requirements from only breakfast, lunch and dinner. Read more about healthy snacks for kids and healthy snacks for adolescents.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are compounds necessary for the healthy functioning of our bodies. We need vitamins and minerals to help us grow, to see properly, to make bones, muscles, skin and organs and to help battle infections. Read more about vitamins and minerals for kids.
Nutrients
Nutrients such as carbohydrates, fibre, protien fat and water are all important to endure our kids grow p strong and healthy. Find out what nutrients provide our kids' growing bodies.
Diet Soft Drinks
Sugary soft-drinks have been shouldering much of the blame for the bulging waistlines of the nations youth, however switching to diet soft drinks is not the answer. Read more about the effects of consuming diet soft drinks on a daily basis.
Also see our Healthy Kids Parents section for more information and great ideas for feeding healthy food to your children.
Copyright and Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When reading or wanting to reproduce the information on this site, ensure you read the 'Copyright and Disclaimer' policy accessed through the footer below.
For queries or feedback about any of the information published on this website, please contact the Association directly by phone, on 02 9876 1300, or email info@healthy-kids.com.au.