Brooke Burke-Charvet: I try to be a positive fitness role model for my kids

"Dancing With the Stars" host Brooke Burke-Charvet is in phenomenal shape, and tries to instill health-conscious values in her children by setting a good example, and not by nagging.

"I always tell other parents to lead by example," Burke-Charvet, 41, told People. "My kids know I'm always working out and I love to cook.

"I'm always preparing healthy meals. My little ones grocery-shop with me. They're in the kitchen. They love to cook."

It's hard to tell by looking at her sleek physique that Brooke is the mother of four kids: Neriah, 12, Sierra, 10, Rain, 6, and Shaya, 4.

While Burke-Charvet has made a fortune off her sensational bikini body, she's careful to cultivate a positive body image in her children.

"I try to never use words like 'fat' or 'diet,' " she says. "I try to choose my words carefully with my kids. It's just about making good choices and enjoying what we eat and making delicious flavorful foods that are healthy. I'm just teaching them about being healthy and strong, not about being thin."

Brooke, a former swimsuit model, maintains her age-defying physique by walking on the treadmill, doing Pilates and calisthenics.

"Working out is my stress reliever and my me time," she said. "The way I see it, if you don't have 45 minutes a few days a week for yourself, you are in big trouble."

Burke-Charvet, who's doing well after undergoing thyroid-cancer surgery, follows a healthy, portion-controlled diet, but doesn't deprive herself.

"I eat so healthy, but I listen to my body when I have cravings and I think that's why I'm able to maintain a healthy lifestyle," she says. "If I'm really craving something, I have it. The next day, I'm back on track."

With her cancer scare behind her, Brooke has never felt better. "I'm so blessed and fortunate with the way things worked out with my surgery," she says. "Now I'm back in the swing of things, working and feeling great."