It’s that holiday season again and you know what the means. Wacky eating patterns and even wackier lives and high fat, high sugar, high calorie foods will be everywhere. This is why, for so many people the world over,

regardless of your personal background, find this to be a very hard season in which to keep off the pounds they have worked on losing all year long. Never fear. I have a solution, snacks. Before you click away, yes I am 100 percent serious about this. If you have some healthy (or less bad for you) snacks in your arsenal you are less likely to give into temptation and get candy or stop at a drive through to feed yourself. (Note: this will save you money too) so, that being said if you have kept an open mind and kept on reading this site (instead of checking out a blog like this one- www.convergentstreams.com) we will talk about the snacks.

1. Popcorn. This is versatile. It can be made in your microwave and served hot or cold. You can top it with any number or herbs or light doses of a grated cheese of your choice.

2. Mixed nuts. These are very filling and low work snacks. Just beware that nuts can be high in fat and that you should have these in small amounts and if you have any salt issues, to be sure that you get unsalted nuts. If you have a few extra seconds then roast them together on a cookie sheet.

3. Trail mix-this has protein and fruit. It’s high fiber, filling

and good for you all at once. Just know that dried fruits have more sugar per bite than non-dried versions.

4. Fresh fruit- an apple, an orange or a banana all travel well. Provided you don’t squish them.

5. Cut veggies-baby carrots with dip-this is harder to travel with but extremely healthy. 100 percent bragging rights to you if you choose this option.

See, there are 5 snacks that will fill you up with things that are good for you (proteins, vitamins, fiber) without coming at you with a high cost in calories or fat. The thing to remember is that having a snacks in and of itself is not a bad thing. It is sitting down with a thousand calories, empty calories, snack is a bad plan. Enjoy good snacks that satisfy your cravings and you will be happier and healthier.