First Lady Michelle Obama Talks with Kid Reporters at Annual Easter Egg Roll

First Lady Michelle Obama has dedicated her time in the White House to making sure kids are physically active and eating healthy food. But she knows that sometimes you have to give yourself an unhealthy treat.

“Splurging is the key to life!” Mrs. Obama exclaimed. “How could you appreciate vegetables if you never had chocolate?”

The First Lady made the comments on Monday during a conversation with seven kid reporters at the White House. She met with some of the nation’s youngest journalists during the 136th annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The focus of the conversation was the Easter Egg Roll and her Let’s Move! program. Questions from the kid reporters ranged from how often the First Lady indulges in treats to how to make healthy changes in your lifestyle.

Mrs. Obama said that balance is key to staying fit and healthy. If you eat well 70 percent of the time and exercise regularly, then it’s OK to have an unhealthy food every once in a while. Her favorite? French fries!

She also stressed that kids can do little things to start living healthy lifestyles. Watching less TV, drinking more water, playing outside, and adding some veggies to those French Fries are small changes that make a big difference.

As an example of the benefits of eating right and exercise, she pointed to some of the athletes at the White House for the Easter Egg Roll.

“All of the Olympians we have here are all in great shape, but their diet is really important,” Mrs. Obama said. “They know when they are training they are not going to put junk food in their body. It affects their performance. It can mean the difference between a medal or not winning.”

The First Lady stays healthy by exercising. But she said she also enjoys playing tennis. She tries to hit the courts weekly, if possible. Her oldest daughter, Malia, also likes to play tennis. And youngest daughter, Sasha, plays basketball and dances.

Tennis and basketball were two of the events at the Easter Egg Roll. Other activities included yoga, chefs cooking up healthy and yummy snacks, and, of course, music and dancing.

Some 30,000 people attended this year’s Egg Roll, as did athletes like Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and Olympic figure skater Ashley Wagner.

Photo: First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a Kid Reporter gaggle in the White House Library during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, April 21, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)