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We all need some fats in our diet to stay healthy. They provide energy and some vitamins. Eating too much or the wrong types of fat can be unhealthy. 

Treat foods are those that contain little or no nutritional value, but harmful amounts of salt, fat and sugar.

Children need lots of different nutrients to stay healthy. The amounts of food a young child eats changes every day and at every meal depending on their needs. Taller, older children and children who are more active will eat more.

Kids need more of these foods for energy and growth – that is why they are the biggest shelf on this pyramid.

Foods from this group are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. Children should be offered these at every meal, and as snacks.

These foods provide calcium for healthy bones and teeth. Offering milk as a drink with meals is an easy way to give your child one of the three daily servings they need.

These foods provide protein and iron for growth and development.

Fats, spreads and oils provide essential fats in your child’s diet but should be used in very small amounts.

The red triangle at the top contains food and drinks that are high in fat, sugar and salt and low in vitamins, minerals or fibre.

Your body needs lots of different nutrients to stay healthy. That means eating a variety of foods from each of the main food groups.