Spending her days as a clinical nutritionist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Meg Green knows a thing or two about family wellness. We picked her brain on how to keep the whole crew fueled for the next great adventure, whether it’s to a state park or a neighborhood stroll.

Why is it important to reevaluate your family’s nutrition habits when the kids are out of school?

When school is out, this is a time for parents to evaluate nutrition habits for the family. Even though a child is not waking up for school, they still need to wake up in the mornings and eat breakfast. This will start the day and metabolism.

Eating meals around the same times on weekends and breaks from school is an opportunity for increased family time around the table, making healthy meals together and parents taking time to teach the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Parents are 24-hour teachers.

In order to have success with nutrition habits, families need to understand simply telling a child to make a change is not enough. Healthy habits develop by showing your children healthy habits.

What are some fun ways to keep everyone hydrated while on the move?

Each family member can have their own water bottle, and have a non-food reward for each family member who hits their water goal. It is important to remember to be consistent even during breaks and vacations.

What is the first step in mapping out a healthy weeknight meal for the family?

Having the family cook together at home then eating together. Each family member can be in charge of a food group and pick a food to include in the meal. For example, one caregiver can pick the grain and dairy, another caregiver can select the protein, a child can pick the fruit and another the vegetable.

What advice would you give to first-timers navigating the farmers market?

Walk through and look at everything first. Take your children and enjoy! Ask for samples, and if you don’t know what an item is, ask. They will be happy to answer questions and provide ways to cook and serve the new food.

Any tips for parents of picky eaters?

Remember who is the parent. Eating food is all about senses. If a child is tired, upset, sleepy or distracted, all will play a part in the child’s thought of food. Keep it fun and playful. Understand putting a food to the lips is a great try, and trying new foods is the goal.

Lightning Round:

Favorite form of exercise: Yoga

Guilty pleasure meal: Corn dog with yellow mustard

Your personal wellness motto: What you eat in private, you wear in public. You are what you eat.