Teach your kids healthy eating habits

Eating healthy starts at home. If you want to make sure your kids grow up with a good diet, there are some ways you can be a role model for their future. Start with breakfast. Research shows it's the most important meal and works best with low fat or skim milk, soft spreads instead of butter, and low fat cheese.

Kids watch what you eat, so make sure to order healthy items from restaurants. Remember, kids need extra doses of calcium, vitamin D, and iron. Fruits and vegetables should come first and make a great opportunity to teach kids how to cook.

Don't forget to sleep. Research shows adequate sleep is essential to better health. Adults need 7-9 hours, but kids should aim for 10-12 hours each night.

Registered Dietitian Pat Baird visited the ABC 7 State Street Studios to talk about becoming healthy role models for children.

Links: Nutrition information/Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: www.eatright.org

Centers for Disease Control/Healthy families: www.cdc.gov/family/

Importance of Sleep: sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/children-and-sleep

Importance of family dinners: children.webmd.com/guide/family-dinners-are-important

Blueberry information and recipes: www.blueberrycouncil.org

App: Food & Activity tracker: https://www.supertracker.usda.gov