Dieting on a Budget

The best laid plans often go awry, especially in late afternoon. I am often tempted to pick up a Kit Kat bar or sink my teeth into a soft muffin, bagel, or bun.

In a recent article, Dr. Oz provided a few strategies for those of us who have the urge to munch.

• Take one piece of chewy, whole-grain bread and dip it in olive oil. Olive oil contains a monounsaturated fat that helps control appetite.

• Add a little red pepper to your morning or noontime omelette. This will help decrease what you eat later in the day.

• Chew sugarless gum. You will have fewer hunger pangs and fewer cravings for sweets.

• If you are tired and hungry, have a nap. People who are sleep deprived have increased appetites and tend to snack more.