In her book Lunch Lessons: Changing the Way We Feed Our Children, Ann Cooper offers these tips to help parents join the school-lunch revolution by teaching children healthful eating habits early in life:

Be a good role model with what you eat.

Take your kids shopping, especially to farmers markets.

Be flexible. Anything in moderation is OK, and treats are fine now and then.

Make mealtime special by sitting down and chatting at a nicely set table.

Don't be a short-order cook. Make one meal for both adults and kids and don't make other food if a child doesn't like what's on the table.

Be patient. Research says it takes 10 to 12 attempts before many children will try a food - unless they make it themselves.

Don't buy into marketing that makes highly processed or unhealthful foods seem hip.

Don't use food as a reward, bribe or punishment. Stickers work for rewards, and punishment for not eating certain foods can lead to lifelong negative connotations.

Children love eating food they create, so let them help in the kitchen.

Love and accept your child's weight, size and shape no matter what.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It jumpstarts metabolisms.

Encourage your child to exercise every day.

Remember that you are the boss and set boundaries for salty, sugary processed foods.