It's not easy to keep kids eating right during the busy school year! These four tips can help your family choose healthy and tasty foods.

The school year brings a whole new set of challenges for parents who want to help their kids make healthy eating choices. Busy schedules can lead to food choices that are quick and easy, but not necessarily healthy.

With a few simple steps, you can change unhealthy eating choices into better ones. Here are four ways to encourage your kids to make the right food choices at home and at school.

1. Be a role model for healthy eating. We all know kids pick up cues from watching their parents—eating habits are no exception. If you're hungry before dinner, forget the potato chips and opt for an apple or carrot sticks instead. Similarly, don't skip breakfast—a glass of Florida's Natural® Premium Brand orange juice and a bowl of cereal can be a quick meal your kids will be happy to copy.
2. If you pack your kids' lunches, get them to help you. They can help plan what they'll take and get their meals ready. Encourage them to choose both vegetables and a piece of fruit for their lunches. And it's okay to add something fun like pudding or a healthy oatmeal brownie.
3. If your children eat school-prepared meals, talk to them about what's being served. Have a copy of the school menu on your refrigerator and go over the choices your children have for the week. You may even want to join your kids for lunch sometime to learn more about the food choices they are offered.
4. Look for ways to make your weekday dinners not only easy to prepare, but also healthy. One way to cut preparation time and be healthier is to create some meals without meat. Vegetable stir-fry, pasta with marinara sauce, and bean burritos can all be quick, tasty choices.

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