StatePoint—A change of routine can be an excuse for bad eating habits. But don`t let your family’s well-balanced meals take a vacation this summer.

“Summer break is an opportunity to spend time with your kids and help them understand the importance of healthful eating,” says Vandana Sheth, registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Consider these healthy tips:

• Bring the kids along to the grocery store and let them pick out healthy foods they like. There are a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the summer months, so steer the cart out of the junk food aisle and into the produce section.

• Assign kids age-appropriate kitchen tasks. For example, let older kids chop and cook, and have younger kids mix ingredients and set the table.

• Headed to the pool? Pack lunch so you aren’t tempted to order from the snack bar.

• Sit down as a family and eat together.

• Remind kids about the importance of physical activity and urge them to be active outside for at least an hour a day.

More tips can be found at www.KidsEatRight.org.

This summer, you can prioritize your family’s health.