During the summer of 1999 Audrey and I lived in NYC together. I was 18 and Audrey was 21. I was taking a course at NYU and Audrey was interning for The View. It was one of the best summers of my life. I got my first taste of city life, I made life-long friends, and Audrey and I had so many fun adventures together.

We lived in an NYU dorm in Union Square, right across from a Food Emporium. I remember checking out at that market one day and seeing a magazine cover featuring soccer player Brandi Chastain celebrating the fact that she had just scored the winning goal for the United States to defeat China in the Women’s World Cup. Unfortunately, the cover photo was getting so much attention not because of the team’s win, but because, in her excitement, Brandi had taken off her soccer jersey and was wearing just shorts and a black sports bra.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer online

I remember looking at the photo and wondering why anyone would make an issue out of it. All I saw was a strong, healthy, athletic woman celebrating an incredible moment in her professional career.

It has been over 13 years since the “sports bra incident” and Brandi is still that strong, healthy, athletic woman she was back then. She still plays professional soccer, and has now teamed up with Libby’s Fruits and Vegetables to promote healthy snacking and active lifestyles for kids.

I recently had a chance to try out Libby’s Single-Serve Fruit Cups (Mixed Fruit, Diced Pears, Diced Peaches and Cherry Mixed Fruit) and they are awesome! I love fruits now, but as a kid my parents had to kind of force me to eat them. One thing I always loved, though, was peaches. So eating Libby’s Diced Peaches was a bit nostalgic for me. It totally reminded me of my childhood, when my parents would make sure I at least ate the one fruit I loved!

All of the single-serve fruit cups are really handy to have around for a healthy snack on the go. Brian even liked taking one in his lunch bag during the week, and said it was an easy go-to snack to have while he was working. I’ll definitely keep Libby’s fruit cups on hand for me and Brian, and also for when my 9 nieces and nephews visit and want a snack!

I’m also excited to share Brandi’s helpful, kid-friendly tips for healthy living:

Hydrate to perform great. Kids should drink water before, during AND after exercise. While exercise generates heat and increases the body’s core temperature, water works to bring body temperature back to the normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Let your child pick out a colorful water bottle to make drinking water fun!

Always make time for healthy meals. The USDA says that half our plates should be filled with colorful fruits and veggies, but when your children are constantly running from school to practice and back, it can be tough to get them to eat that perfect meal. Add Libby’s® Single Fruit Cups, which contain one complete serving of fruit, to your children’s bags for an easy and nutritious snack.

Sleep is important! Children should receive an average of eight hours of sleep each night. Without enough sleep children get cranky and lazy, and will not perform to their full potential during school, practice or games. Help your children stick to a regular sleep schedule by making bedtime fun – read them a story or sing a song while they fall asleep.

Turn exercise into a family affair. When exercising is a solo act, it can sometimes feel like a chore. Bring the whole family on-board and make exercising fun, family time! Join your kids in a game of soccer, Double Dutch or kickball.

Lead by example. When you set a good example, your kids are more likely to follow. Although it’s easy to stop at the drive-thru on the way home from practice, make an effort to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. Become a role model by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, like Libby’s Canned Fruits and Vegetables, with your children. It’s easier when you make it a team effort!

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Disclosure: I received Libby’s fruit cups for review. All opinions are mine.