I single out pistachios for a couple of reasons: Of all types of nuts, they contain the highest level of phytosterols — natural plant compounds that have been shown to lower cholesterol. They're also my "nut of choice" when it comes to weight loss: For 100 calories you get about 25 pistachio nuts (per nut, they're the least caloric of all nuts) and, because you have to remove the shells, they'll slow down your eating!

100 calories, 5 g carbohydrates

Exchanges: 2 fats

Edamame (green soybeans) contain fiber-rich, high quality carbohydrate, protein, and heart-healthy omega-3 fats, a winning trio that helps keep blood-sugar levels steady. Buy them in the pod (like pistachios, the shells will slow down your eating) and steam or microwave a cup's worth, snap them open, and pop 'em in your mouth — yum!

150 calories, 12 g carbohydrates

Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1 starch

Guacamole (a heart-healthy pick, thanks to the monounsaturated fats in avocado) and hummus (made from nutrient-rich, high-fiber chickpeas) both make great snacking dips. Try a quarter cup of either with sliced vegetables for your next mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

120 to 150 calories, 13 g carbohydrates

Exchanges: 2 vegetables, 1 to 2 fats