Dianne Scheinberg, MS, RD, LDN Responds:

Starting to eat better can seem overwhelming at first, but lots of little changes can add up. Here are a few suggestions that may benefit your family:

• Switch to whole grains. Choose brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, breads and cereals made with whole grain.
• Reduce saturated fats and trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils). Read labels to help you make wise selections.
• Cut back on red meat. Begin a family fish night once a week, then take it a step further and go meatless once a week as well.
• Bump up the produce. Keep cut-up veggies (carrots, peppers, jicama) in the fridge and a bowl of fresh fruit (apples, pears, clementines) handy for snacks.
• Enjoy sensible meals and small snacks. Spacing out eating throughout the day can help make it less tempting to go overboard at family dinner.

Staying active as a family is vital. Plan family walks a couple of times a week. You can also designate all-family chore times, during which everyone is on their feet and active doing house and yard work. And don’t forget to plan family gatherings around activities instead of meals.