1. My kids are very fussy eaters, 7 and 9 years old. I thought that if I get them in the kitchen to cook with me that they would get more excited about healthy food. Any ideas?

As a registered dietitian and mom, I empathize with your [picky eater] predicament. The good news is there are strategies to get your kids to try, and more importantly like, healthy foods. Getting your kids involved in the kitchen is just one way. You may also want to try:

• Serving an unfamiliar food with familiar ones
• Offering only one new food at a time
• Being a role model
• Being patient - young children may need to be offered the food 10- 15 times before trying it.

Also be sure to check out some of our kid-friendly recipes - so delicious they are like nutrition in disguise! . .

2. I am 55 years old and have been told by my doctor that I am at I high risk for osteoporosis. He said I should eat more natural calcium and do bone-strengthening exercises - and that it is never too late! I joined a local gym but don't understand how I can do the "3-a-day calcium" program he suggested and not gain weight on dairy. Can you help?

Your doctor is right; it is never too late!

The "3-a-day of dairy" message encourages people to enjoy three servings of milk, yogurt or cheese each day. One cup of milk, an 8-oz carton of yogurt or 1-1_ ounces of cheese (about the size of 4 dice) all count as one dairy serving. To keep your calories in check, you may want to select low- or non-fat dairy foods. These foods provide the same nutrition as the full fat versions, but contain less fat and calories. And new research shows that when people (especially those who currently eat minimal dairy) include three servings of dairy each day as part of a reduced calorie diet, they may actually lose more body fat.