Want an obese kid? Not me. That’s why I’m constantly thinking about what I can do to keep my two boys more fit than fat. “Woman’s Day” magazine (March 3, 2009) names three tactics for keeping your little ones lean.

More Water: Even though sports and juice drinks may be marketed as “healthy” doesn’t mean they aren’t full of junk. Avoid added sugar, and definitely keep the 100-percent fruit juice to a minimum. Two 4- to 6-ounce servings per day is plenty.

Turn Off the Tube: Kids six and under should watch only one hour of TV a day. It’ll cut down on the snacking and encourage physical activity.

Play Outside: Get your kids running outside, playing tag, throwing balls and riding bikes. And don’t celebrate time spent outdoors with “treats.” To burn one can of soda, your kid would need to walk briskly for 60 minutes. And trade those cupcakes for a bunch of juicy grapes, a bowl full of berries or some watermelon, which happen to be pretty tasty right now.

What are your strategies for keeping your children chub-free?

Photo by: ginnerobot on flickr