Many diet plans push for low calorie foods that, although healthy, leave you hungry again in less than an hour. What fun is it to fit into your skinny jeans if all you can think about while in them is when your next meal will be?

Instead of following the Hollywood starvation diet, try eating foods that have "staying power," which means it sticks with you longer and decreases your appetite. Not only do foods with staying power help you on your path to weight loss, many of them also have nutrient rich content important for your health.

An apple a day keeps THE

cravings away

Although they've had a bad rap since Adam and Eve, apples are one of the foods that can keep you full and satisfied for extended periods of time. By having one with meals or on the go, eating an apple will help you consume fewer calories at meal time. But the benefits don't end there.

Getting your daily apple intake can help your bones, prevent asthma and fight cancer. So next time you're in line at the Emporium and you have the choice between snacking on a monster cookie or a red delicious apple, choose the latter. You will still satisfy that craving for sugar with the apple's natural sweetness, but you'll also be curbing calorie-rich cravings in between meals.

Go nuts for nuts

It may sound odd, but snacking on nuts has proven to be one of the best things a person can do for their health. Be it almonds, walnuts, peanuts or pistachios, eating these with meals or in between is a fool proof way to make sure you stay full longer.

Nuts have sufficient amounts of protein, which make them good for satiety and even better for your health. Containing high amounts of fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats your body needs, nuts can be a key ingredient to your weight loss goals. They will keep you full, they will keep you healthy and with the new flavors such as cinnamon roasted, they will taste good! Just keep your portions in check and nuts will be your body's best friend.

PUT PROTEIN IN YOUR DIET

Whether you choose a medium rare steak filet or grilled salmon, getting meat into your diet is a key way to ensure your body is satisfied well after meals. The important thing is not to overdo it.

Meat, especially red, is high in calorie. Although good at some meals, it is not something needed twice a day. Alternative ways to get the same satiation red meat has but for a lower amount of calories is eating egg whites, white meat such as turkey or fish. All of these have about half the calories but close to the same amount of staying power.



Stephanie Vermillion