Nutrition in the life cycle
Our nutritional needs change as we go through different stages of life. While eating a varied diet that includes plenty of nutrients, there are specific considerations to take into account at certain stages.
Pregnancy and the postnatal period
Nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding is important for both the caregiver and baby.
During these stages, the body requires extra nutrients to support growth, development and recovery. Please see below for more information, helpful resources and services available.
- Eat for Health guidelines: Healthy Eating During your pregnancy
- Fact sheets available on the Women’s and Children’s Hospital website for nutrition in pregnancy and nutrition in breastfeeding
- Australian Breastfeeding Association: For more information and access to support through the breastfeeding helpline and live chat.
For further support for children from birth to five years, living in South Australia, contact The Child and Family Health Service
The early years
Nutrition in the early years is important for healthy growth and development. These years are when eating preferences begin to form. Please see below resources for more information on feeding, starting solids, family food and mealtimes.
- Eat for Health guidelines: Healthy eating for infants, children and teenagers
- Child and Family Health Services website: Feeding resources and tips for happy mealtimes
- Parenting SA guide: Feeding toddlers
Kids and teenagers
Nutrition for kids and teenagers is important to support growth, development and wellbeing.
Resources
- Eat for Health guidelines: Healthy eating for infants, children and teenagers
- Eat for Health: Recommended serves for different age groups
- SWAP IT: Healthy lunch box resources
Kids in the kitchen
Getting kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to teach new skills and make healthy eating more fun. Research shows when children are involved in preparing food, they are more interested in food and eat well. We partnered with the CSIRO to inspire you and your children to cook quick, cheap and nutrient-packed meals.
Check out our recipe cards for kids, or visit our YouTube channel for step-by-step cooking videos:
- Banana smoothie
- Corn on the cob
- Baked bean toastie
- Baked potato
- Tuna slice
- Scrambled eggs
- Tacos
- Finn's Aussie bolognese
LiveLighter recipes
There are hundreds of family-friendly recipes that the kids are sure to enjoy on the LiveLighter website: LiveLighter recipes
Adults
Nutrition for adults is important to support health and wellbeing and prevent chronic diseases. Please refer to the Australian Guide for Healthy Eating for more information.
Older adults
Eating well helps maintain health and wellbeing as we age. Nutrition is needed to support changing health needs. Please see the below links for more information. Alternatively, seek advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian to understand your individual needs:
- Eat For Health: Healthy eating when you’re older
- NSW government: Eating Well – A nutrition resource for older people and carers
- Nutrition Australia: Nutrition and older adults
- Dietitians Australia: Diet and nutrition health advice – Protein
- Healthy Bones Australia
- Find an Accredited Practising Dietitian