So...the sun is shining today and it's actually warm outside, finally!  Which I love!  Plus that always makes it a little easier to be productive...or is it just me?!  As I'm getting some long overdue projects completed this morning, I almost forgot to eat breakfast, then my snack too....almost!  

I find that I have to plan out my meals and snacks each day otherwise I'm literally out of control with my eating because I have no direction.  I mean, we are told over and over again that we can exercise for an hour each day, but if we don't get it together in the kitchen, the weight won't come off.  So, I thought I would share with you some of my everyday tips that I use to stay full and stay out of the kitchen cabinets. 

Healthy snacks are a must!  I won't lie, I do keep some cookies and little snacks like that in the house for my kiddo as a treat from time to time.  Most days though, she wants what I'm eating so it works out for both of us!  There are far too many to name, but some of what we keep on hand include: 
~low fat/low sugar/natural ingredients/high protein bars (my kiddo is below with her snack from yesterday)
~cheese (I know I know...but it's good for calcium and protein...in moderation)
~raw almonds
~fruit
~rice cakes
~popcorn (hey it's a whole grain!)
~chocolate chips (for when you just HAVE to have a bit of chocolate)

Always eat breakfast!  I know there are a lot of you out there that say you're just not a breakfast person, but it doesn't have to be a big breakfast or even one that you cook.  It can be yogurt and some fruit, or cottage cheese and toast.  Just get something in within an hour or so of waking up so your body runs more efficiently throughout the day.  A go to favorite of mine is two eggs (cooked any way you like) and fruit.  It's simple and fast and starts my day off healthy.  This is my breakfast at least 4 days a week :)

Plan ahead for lunches and dinner, especially if your evenings are busy.  If you've planned well enough for dinner, lunch could be leftovers the next day!  If I'm making chicken for dinner that night, I'll grill more than I need so I have it for salads for the rest of the week at lunch.  When I make brown rice, I steam a bunch of it to add to recipes for the remainder of the week, plus it's a whole grain so I feel good about adding it to meals.   Planning ahead doesn't have to be intimidating or even time consuming.  Just find what works for you and stick to it!  So tell me, what are some of your tricks that help you stay on track?