We are in the dog days of summer knowing that fall is right around the corner. With that said, still trying to maintain that beach body look is still a major priority, right? Keeping off those few extra pounds can be kind of tough, but there is one thing that will help….SNACK!

Many people see snack time as something teens and adolescents do because they are growing. That is very true; yet as adults our bodies are continuing to change, and to fight that weight gain we need proper nourishment.

Having the right snack plays a big factor in curbing an appetite to the point where you begin to lose weight. When I have snack time, it usually consists of an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. With fruits, I usually have a wide arrangement but tend to purchase the fruits with the highest anti-oxidants.

Some of the best fruit fillers that I have are apples, red grapes (with seeds), oranges, and grape fruits. Occasionally I will have my “berry bowl” which includes raspberries, strawberries, and blue berries. If you have this bowl before you head out to work you will feel energized! Also, don’t forget to buy them frozen!

With my vegetables and walnuts, I usually like to combine them with some olive oil, oregano (natural source of vitamin k) and some black pepper. The vegetable combination that really works for curbing my appetite is celery, spinach, and two handfuls of walnuts. With that combo I have gone a number of hours before my hunger ever came back!

I am telling you, fill the time between each meal with one or a combination of the listed foods and there will be a chance you will not be reaching for that pack of Twinkies just before bedtime!

Honorable Mentions

Soup and dumplings

Carrots

Prunes (may only want to eat these at home)

Oatmeal

Lentils

-Phil