by Jennifer Blanke

Created on: August 07, 2008

Trying to lose weight seems to be an ongoing battle that many people face. Whether you are dieting to lose weight due to health concerns, or just so you look and feel better; it can be quite a challenge!

Feeling satisfied throughout the day is the key to losing weight and keeping it off. If you are starving yourself and eating like a rabbit, then you will probably give up and go back to your old habits. The key is to keep your body going with food that is packed with tons of nutritional value to sustain you. Fruits, vegetables, fiber filled and protein rich items will give you sustenance as well as keep the fat and calories down.

Here are great foods to snack on throughout the day.

Fruits
Fruits are packed with minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Although fruits contain natural sugars, they are relatively low in calories and most contain no fat at all. When you want a sweet treat, try fruit! Keep your refrigerator stocked with fresh fruits and try to incorporate them into every meal and snacks too. Be creative and eat a variety of fruits! Fruit smoothies made with bananas, strawberries, low fat milk, and low fat yogurt are a great way to start the day and make a great snack. Grilled pineapple, peaches, pears and mangos go well with dinner. Grapes, blueberries, apples, oranges, plums, and melons are great for lunch and snacks throughout the day. Have fresh fruit ready for a mid-day snack and you won't run to the vending machine.

Vegetables
Vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and so many other health benefits. Fresh veggies will fill you up and help you in your fight to lose extra pounds. Prepare raw vegetables ahead of time and keep them in your refrigerator ready to eat. Broccoli, celery, carrots, cauliflower, green, red, and yellow peppers, and cucumbers with a low fat ranch dip make great snack for meals or throughout the day. Grilling vegetables like squash, onions, peppers, and mushrooms are delicious and compliment steak, chicken, fish, and shrimp. Get creative and prepare vegetables such as asparagus, brussel sprouts, zucchini, and eggplant.

Fiber
Fiber adds bulk to your diet and therefore fills you up while helping with waste elimination. You will feel so much better when you are eating plenty of fiber. 25-35 grams per day is the recommended allowance depending on which source you consult. That is a lot of fiber and other than fresh fruits and vegetables, there are many great things to eat throughout the day. Cereals such as oatmeal, Fiber

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