At the first sign of summer, children dive into the pool, head to the park, and grab food on the way out. In doing so, they may also leave nutrition behind; nutrition essential to fuel the energy required for summertime activities. Leading food and nutrition expert Chere Bork, a registered dietitian with more than 30 years experience, president and founder of Savor Your Life Today, Inc., helps busy parents guide their children's summertime food fare into healthier options.

"Summer is an exciting season for kids. Their activity level peaks and so does their appetite. Providing healthy on-the-go food options may be easier than you think with these top five tips," notes Chere Bork:

-- Enjoy the bounty that summer offers. Summer is the perfect season to get kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. Remember: Try to include something from nature's harvest in every meal- fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, watermelon, sweet corn, green beans, tomatoes. -- Limit added sugars. Sweeteners are found in many foods, and when consumed in moderation, often serve a useful role in making nutrient-rich foods, like yogurt and flavored milk, palatable for children. Table sugar, honey, and high fructose corn syrup contain the same calories per gram, and are nutritionally equivalent. To learn more about sweeteners, visit www.SweetSurprise.com. Remember: Parents should know that a sugar is a sugar, whether it comes from sugar cane, sugar beets, honey, or corn. -- Pack simple snacks. Individual ready-to-eat servings such as low-fat yogurt or string cheese, and snacks that travel well in small, sealable bags like fruit, nuts, and vegetables work well for kids. Remember: Snacks can be part of a healthy diet, but they should be appropriately sized so your child can enjoy a full meal two to three hours later. -- Make mealtime fun. Summertime favorites, such as picnics, barbecues, and campfire cookouts are not to be missed. To balance out the occasional summer treat, make healthy food choices readily available and enjoyable for young eaters. Remember: Cut fresh fruit into fun shapes with cookie cutters, offer a variety of toppings for sweet corn on the cob and baked potatoes and include kids in meal-time preparation.

-- Don't forget liquids. Keeping kids well hydrated during the summer heat is essential. Water, calcium-rich, and fortified beverages are sound choices. Remember: Encourage kids to drink even when they are not thirsty.

"The trick is to encourage kids to be active, and allow them to enjoy their favorite summer foods, including sweets, in moderation," explains Bork. "Also, set a good example by eating a variety of foods yourself."

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining (wet milling) industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.

www.SweetSurprise.com