You are a role model whether you like it or not. Doesn’t matter whether you are mowing the yard, cooking supper or putting on your high heels. Why not use your power for good?

Follow these tips and your children’s eating habits will improve. It will positively influence their health and yours for years to come:

1. Restock the pantry. You eat what you have in the pantry. Therefore items such as sugar-free applesauce and baked veggies chips should be in your pantry. Say good-bye to bright orange cheese puffs and cookies.

2. Drink right. Your waistline and teeth will thank you if you switch to water and 100 percent juice and drop the super-acidic, high sugar soda.

3. Start the day right. Is your time limited in the morning? No time for breakfast? Send your kids off to school with a banana and a baggie filled with dry whole grain cereal. Studies show that breakfast eaters boast improved math grades, less incidence of hyperactivity and better school attendance. High schoolers who eat breakfast tend to weigh less, exercise more and generally have a healthier diet than their breakfast skipping pals.

4. Turn off the TV. Eating while watching the tube usually makes you eat more unhealthy foods.

5. Eat together. A meal with parents and children eaten together makes for a meal with more vegetables and fruits and fewer unhealthy snacks.

6. Pack a lunch for everyone. Brown bag lunches save money and insure that the family is eating well. Be sure to include a lean protein, low-fat dairy, grains, a vegetable and a piece of fruit. (try sliced turkey and low-fat cheese on whole-wheat bread with carrots sticks and an apple.)