* Stock up on healthy snacks, and leave the unhealthy ones on the grocery store shelf. It may be difficult to control what our kids eat when they are not at home, but we can make sure that they only have healthy things to chose from when they are there. They may protest at first if they are accustomed to less nutritious snacks, but they will eventually come around if healthy foods are their only choice.

* Make healthy foods as appealing as possible. Some kids might prefer for their fruits and vegetables to be cut up instead of whole, or they might like their apples with dip. Accommodating them will let them feel that they have a choice while getting vital nutrients into their bodies.

* Ask your child to help prepare healthy foods. In most cases, she will be happy to help. And kids are much more likely to try something if they have had a hand in making it, so this is a great way to introduce your child to new things.

* Make all meals as balanced as possible. Having healthy foods from all the food groups on the table doesn't guarantee that your child will eat them, but if they're not there, she won't have the chance.

* Offer foods that your kids don't like several times before you give up. And make sure that each child takes at least one bite every time a food is offered. Kids are often resistant to new things (especially vegetables), but after they've tried them a few times they sometimes change their minds.

* Make it a point to let the kids see you enjoying healthy foods. If they only see Mom and Dad eating junk food, they will be less inclined to eat healthy foods. So be sure to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts and other nutritious goodies, and don't forget to offer the kids a bite.

Getting kids to eat healthy foods is one of the most important things we can do as parents. The nutrients found in these foods are important for growing bodies. And if they learn to appreciate nutritious choices while they are young, they will be more likely to continue to eat them throughout life. This will reduce their risk for a variety of ailments. It's never too soon or too late to introduce healthy foods to your children.

There are lots of things we can do to keep our minds and bodies healthy. Here are a few to consider:

* Work out regularly. Obviously this is good for our bodies, but it is also good for our minds. Intense physical exercise helps relieve stress, and it can boost our self-esteem. Try to participate in some substantial physical activity each day, and work out at least three times a week.

* Eat a nutritious diet. Healthy foods give us the nutrients our bodies need to fight off disease and maintain a healthy weight. They also give us the energy we need to exercise and participate in everyday activities.

* Get plenty of rest. If we're not getting enough sleep at night, we have less energy during the day. Our mental health also suffers. Getting in our 8 hours every night is more important than most of us realize.

* Keep tabs on your health. Find a doctor that you like and respect, and go to her for annual checkups. Some health problems can sneak up on you, but regular physicals can facilitate early detection and make treatment easier and more effective.

* Kick bad habits. Smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and overeating can all adversely affect our physical health. By putting these habits to rest, we can feel better both physically and mentally.

* Give yoga a try. It may not seem as intense as other forms of exercise, but yoga has numerous benefits. It can improve our flexibility and strength, and it puts our minds in a tranquil state. It can contribute greatly to our physical and mental wellbeing.

* Meditate. If your mind is cluttered or you have a negative outlook, meditation can help. It can increase your mental clarity and help you see things in a more positive light.

* Participate in activities you enjoy. Staying healthy doesn't have to be dull and boring. Finding a sport or other physical activity that you look forward to participating in will allow you to have fun while doing something that is good for your body. And, of course, having fun is great for your mental state.

Staying healthy requires some effort, but it makes our lives longer and more enjoyable. This applies not only to our bodies, but also to our minds. Taking the time to keep our minds and bodies in good shape allows us to be happier and more productive, and to get more out of life.