Articles by Suzanne Elvidge on Maintaining a Healthy and Nutritious Diet in Children
Food Group Proportions in a Balanced Diet
Get the right proportions of each food group to build a balanced diet that keeps you healthy.
23rd August 2026
How Many Calories Does Your Child Need?
Daily calorie needs for children vary by age, activity level and growth, with guidelines to help parents get it right.
6th June 2026
Children's Diet and the Long-term Effects
Poor diet and lack of exercise put children at risk of obesity and serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
19th September 2011
Fun Facts: How Many Calories...?
Different foods have different calorie counts, and knowing roughly how many your child eats helps you make better choices about treats versus everyday foods.
14th December 2010
Feed a Cold and Starve a Fever? Feeding Ill Children
What to feed a sick child when they have a cold or fever, and why the old saying about starving fevers doesn't hold up.
14th December 2010
Healthy Food Quiz
Test your knowledge of what kids should be eating with this healthy food quiz covering calories, nutrition, and daily requirements.
13th December 2010
Are Nuts Healthy?
Nuts are calorie-dense but packed with fibre and healthy fats that can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and heart disease when eaten in moderation.
13th December 2010
Coping with a Vegan Teenager
Help your vegan teenager get proper nutrition while keeping family meals inclusive and stress-free.
10th December 2010
Why Buy Baby Food? Tips to Make Your Own
Making your own baby food is cheaper than buying jars and lets you control exactly what your baby eats.
9th December 2010
Can a Toddler Be Vegetarian?
Yes, toddlers can be vegetarian if you plan meals carefully to include enough protein, fat and calories for healthy growth.
7th December 2010
Can You Be Vegetarian or Vegan and Breastfeed?
Vegetarian and vegan mothers can breastfeed successfully by eating enough protein and getting key vitamins like B12, D, calcium and iron.
6th December 2010
Why Is Breakfast Important?
Eating breakfast improves children's behaviour, school performance, health and helps with weight control, yet many skip it.
2nd August 2010
Eating for Healthy Bones
Get calcium and build strong bones from childhood through your 30s with foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified products.
2nd August 2010
Healthy Eating to Avoid Diabetes
Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent type 2 diabetes, especially when habits start in childhood.
2nd August 2010
Which Is Better: School Meal or Packed Lunch?
School meals offer more variety and choice than packed lunches, plus they save parents time and money on daily preparation.
2nd August 2010
Salt and Children's Food
Too much salt raises children's blood pressure and increases health risks later in life, but most comes from processed foods you might not expect.
2nd August 2010
Healthy Eating Tips for School
Give your child better packed lunch and snack options that cut back on salt, sugar and fat without sacrificing taste.
2nd August 2010
Feeding Children During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment changes what kids need to eat and how much they want to eat, so here's how to help them get proper nutrition.
2nd August 2010
Why It's Good to Eat as a Family
Family meals help kids eat healthier, do better in school, and develop better habits that last into adulthood.
2nd August 2010
Fun Facts: How Many Calories Does a Child Burn?
Kids burn vastly different amounts of calories depending on what they're doing, from video games to active play.
29th March 2010
Healthy Snacks for Kids
Quick and easy snack ideas to keep kids satisfied with nutritious options instead of junk food.
29th March 2010
Quiz: Picking Out the Healthy Choices
Test your knowledge on choosing healthy foods and drinks for your kids with this quick quiz.
26th March 2010
Do Children Need Extra Vitamins and Minerals?
Most children get what they need from food, but premature babies and some breastfed infants may need supplements on a doctor's advice.
23rd March 2010
Kids and Breakfast: Why Is It Important?
Eating breakfast helps kids concentrate better in school, maintain energy levels, and develop healthier eating habits throughout the day.
23rd March 2010
Eating for Strong Teeth
Cut back on sugary snacks and sticky foods to prevent tooth decay, and choose whole grains and fresh fruit instead.
22nd March 2010
How Dangerous Are Food Allergies?
Food allergies trigger immune reactions that range from mild itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis, with symptoms appearing within minutes or developing.
22nd March 2010
Choosing Healthy Foods for Kids When Eating Out
Help your kids make better food choices when eating out without creating mealtime stress or pressure.
22nd March 2010
How to Tempt Your Teenager's Taste Buds
Help your teenager eat well by offering tasty, healthy alternatives while navigating peer pressure and diet culture.
8th September 2009
Is Organic Really Important?
Organic food costs more but may offer better taste and some health benefits—here's what actually matters for your family.
10th August 2009
The Myth of Superfoods
Expensive superfoods aren't necessarily healthier than ordinary fruits and vegetables, and often come with a hefty environmental cost.
10th August 2009
Fresh or Frozen Food: Which Is Best?
Fresh and frozen produce both have pros and cons, so the best choice depends on taste, convenience, nutrition and how much you'll actually use.
5th August 2009
Drinking Water: Why and How Much?
Your body needs water to function, and here's how much you and your kids should actually drink each day.
27th July 2009
Feeding Children on a Budget
Nutritious meals for kids don't have to drain your wallet—skip the processed stuff and shop smarter at markets.
22nd July 2009
Make Food Fun: Change Shapes, Colours and Taste
Turn ordinary meals into fun creations by changing how food looks, and get picky eaters excited about trying new tastes.
22nd July 2009
Alternatives to Fast Food for Kids
Quick homemade meals for kids that beat fast food without the extra prep time or unhealthy ingredients.
22nd July 2009
Do Other Dairy Products Count Towards Daily Milk Allowance?
Cheese, yogurt and custard all count towards your baby's daily milk quota if they're not drinking enough milk directly.
18th February 2009
Milk Intolerance in Children
Your child can't digest milk properly because their body doesn't make enough lactase enzyme to break down lactose sugar.
4th February 2009
Coeliac Disease in Children
How to spot coeliac disease in children, from digestive symptoms to delayed growth and tiredness.
4th February 2009
Is Your Child Obese?
Childhood obesity is becoming more common and can lead to serious health problems like diabetes and sleep apnoea.
30th January 2009
Food in Pregnancy: Effects on an Unborn Baby
The foods you eat during pregnancy directly affect your baby's development, so choosing nutrient-rich options matters more than just eating more.
30th January 2009
Can a Child Eat Too Healthily?
Yes, children actually need more fat and calories than adults, so overly strict healthy eating can backfire on their growth and development.
30th January 2009