Eat More Fiber

Fiber can help you feel fuller faster so you eat less and lose weight. Getting enough fiber also keeps you regular and is good for your heart. So in addition to the health benefits, getting enough fiber can result in fewer things to be stressed about! The good news is that fiber comes in many tasty forms, from oatmeal and whole-grain breads and cereals to fruits such as apples, citrus, and strawberries, and vegetables.

Focus on the Present

Being aware of where you are and what is happening right now -- some call it mindfulness -- can help you relax instead of fretting over what's looming on the horizon. Let go of thoughts about the past or future, and focus on the present moment. How does the air feel against your skin? How does the pavement feel under your feet? If your mind wanders, just bring it back again to focus on the present.

Yogurt with Flaxseed or Nuts

Yogurt is an excellent source of lean protein, which plays an important role in weight loss and managing blood sugar for type 2 diabetes. Top a six-ounce container of calcium-rich nonfat plain or artificially sweetened yogurt with two tablespoons of ground flaxseed and you'll add a heart-healthy boost of omega-3s. For added variety, swap the flaxseed for 1 tablespoon chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Note that I recommend artificially sweetened yogurt for diabetics rather than regular sweetened yogurt to keep carb intake to a minimum.

150 calories, 20 g carbohydrates

Exchanges: 1 to 2 fats, 1 fat-free milk

Oranges and Almonds

For an energy-boosting bite, this snack gets an A plus. Oranges have a high water content and more soluble fiber than most fruits, and almonds (ten make a great snack-sized portion) deliver a nutritious package of fiber, protein, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

150 calories, 21 g carbohydrates

Exchanges: 1 fruit, 2 fats

Celery Sticks and Cream Cheese

Though it's not as high in protein as cottage cheese or peanut butter, cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that can be a satisfying addition to a snack of celery sticks (or another crisp veggie). Regular cream cheese is very high in fat, so make sure to choose a reduced-fat brand and limit your portion to two tablespoons.

80 calories, 2 g carbohydrates

Exchanges: 1.5 fat

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

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