Good choices mean eight to ten hours of sleep each night, learning to handle or reduce stress, eating balanced food with plenty of vegetables and two to three servings of fruits per day, lowering sugar intake, drinking plenty of water, and exercising. Below are a few ideas on how to motivate your children to change their behaviors and make better choices:

Allow video games or tv/movies only on days that your child has exercised

Encourageeducational or physically active video games. For younger kids, there is a free website www.tlskids.com, that teachesgood food choices using a fun game like environment.

Family Dinners - Sit down together for meals and make it a social and educational experience.

Slowly remove the "bad" food choices from your home, replacing them with interesting good choices. Make sure the good stuff, like raw veggies, are always easily available.Most kid like raw vegetables versus cooked... go for it, it is the best source of nutrients, easy to prepare, and cost effective!

Reward with something other than food: a book for good grades, a day-pass to a sports complex, an activity play date with their friends, a dance party, game night, etc.

Explain what is in it for them when making good choices:

MOST IMPORTANTLY, show them, do it with them! Strive toward a healthier lifestyle yourself too!