Snacks

Next time you feel like nibbling, try one of these options.

Snacking between meals is an important part of staying slim, say experts. Snacks help keep your blood-sugar levels steady and hunger at bay, which keeps you from overindulging at your next meal. The key is looking for foods that are both satisfying and won't blow your daily calorie budget, like popcorn and other puffy, airy foods. "Because your portion looks larger, you feel like you're getting more and may stop eating sooner," says Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan. Next time you feel like nibbling, try one of these options:

Craving...gummy bears?
Try...1 fat-free, sugar-free gelatin cup (7 calories, 0 g fat)

Craving...chips?
Try...3 1/2 cups light microwave popcorn (130 calories, 5 g fat)

Craving...cookies?
Try...1 caramel-corn rice cake (80 calories, 0.5 g fat) or Quaker Mini Delights Chocolatey Drizzle (90 calories, 3.5 g fat)

Craving...a chocolate bar?
Try...1 mug instant hot chocolate (120 calories, 2.5 g fat)

Craving...ice cream?
Try...1 container of nonfat yogurt mixed with 2 tablespoons fat-free Reddi-Wip (70 calories, 0 g fat)