Drop that last five!

Posted by: unravel_inparis

Snack ideas
Remember to eat a snack or meal every three to four hours during the day. Stop eating at least three hours before you go to bed.
1 whole grapefruit
1 cup plain yogurt mixed with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce and 2 tablespoons low-fat granola
6 low-fat Triscuits
1/2 cup chickpeas mixed with fat-free Italian dressing, chopped celery and tomatoes
2 tangelos
1 cup grapes (freeze them first for an icy-delicious treat)
1 cup pretzels
3 cups air-popped popcorn sprinkled with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
6 mini rice cakes
6 baby carrots with 1/4 cup fat-free ranch dressing to "dip"
1 apple with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Top 10 need-to-cheat treats
Sometimes, you just have to have that treat. There are ways to satisfy your sweet tooth—without blowing your diet:

12 animal crackers
2 small chocolate chip cookies
2 Oreo cookies
1/2 cup fat-free, sugar-free pudding
1 peanut butter cup candy
25 chocolate-covered raisins
1 lollipop
3 caramel candy squares
1/2 cup fat-free ice cream
1 fat-free fudgesicle ice cream bar

Top drop-five tips

Limit alcohol. Alcoholic beverages add calories but not nutrients. Keep your consumption to one drink per week.

Drink more water. Carry a water bottle with you at all times. Drink at least five, 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day and drink 8 to 16 ounces of water with every meal.

Eat slowly and steadily. Eat a meal or snack every three to four hours to avoid being hungry. Eat meals and snacks slowly, savoring every delicious bite.

Stop eating two hours before you go to bed.

Curb your sweet tooth. By avoiding sweetened beverages such as soda and fruit drinks, you curb your cravings for all sweets. Choose water instead of diet soda.

Keep up with your exercise routine. You might consider longer or more intense workouts to increase the calorie burn.

Measure your portions. It is easy to underestimate how much you are eating. A food diary is also helpful in keeping an eye on food intake.