Do you bribe your kids with food? Shouldn’t do that, says former FDA commissioner David A. Kessler, a physician and author of “The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite,” because this subtle message about food can cancel out all of your efforts to get your kiddos to eat healthy.

Your relationship with food (and exercise) can have a big effect on your kids’ weight and health. That’s why Kessler thinks you should start practicing these four tips:

• Set an example; go play with your kids rather than simply telling them to exercise.
• Set goals; get everyone involved in the same exercise plan.
• Use nonedible weekly rewards to reinforce hard work.
• Sit down for family dinner; studies show this reduces obesity.

How do you promote nutrition and exercise in your family?

Photo by: elene on flickr