Children grow very quickly and are usually very active so they need energy from food and nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. This will ensure their bodies work properly and can repair themselves quickly.

Children should eat a healthy and varied diet that provides all the nutrients they need every day.
Milk and dairy foods – provide protein, vitamins and minerals and are a good source of calories for growing children.
Meat, fish, eggs, beans, peas and lentils – are rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals. You can give boys up to four portions of oily fish a week, such as mackerel, salmon and sardines, but it's best to give girls no more than two portions of oily fish a week.
Bread, and other cereals such as rice, pasta and breakfast cereals, and potatoes–provide calories, vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Fruit and vegetables –contain vitamin C, and other protective vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre.