I like to eat, but I also like to fit into my size 6 jeans. There lies my little dilemma. As much as I like to go running and what not, that doesn’t always seem to suffice; I mean, it would take a run from here to London to burn off the amount of cake I could eat in one sitting.

Doctors and nutritionists are now saying that the best way to stay energized, full and healthy is to eat 6 small meals a day and not the two huge ones like so many of us do. Note: 6 small meals do not include cupcakes, bags of chips and other fatty snacks.

So, how do you get through the day and not pack on the pounds? Start with some healthier snacking options:

1. Almonds and Laughing Cow Cheese. Portable and protein packed, almonds are one of the best things for your body. Pop a handful in a Ziploc bag with two wedges of Laughing Cow cheese (30 calories each) and, for under 200 calories, you have a healthy, filling snack.

2. 100 Calorie Packs. These are great on the go because they give you a quick low-cal fix and totally ease the cravings for the bad stuff. If you’re really in the mood, grab two bags. If you were to dig your paws into a real bag of Ruffles you’d wind up eating way more than the 200 calories (not to mention all that grease!) in this snack.

3. Trail Mix. No not a store bought one – make your own! Take dried cranberries (excellent for protein, antioxidents, and nutrients), wasabi peas (which give it a nutritional kick with only 2 grams of fat and 120 cals per serving), sliced nuts of your choice (again, almonds are great for you) and some raisins if you want a little somethin’ sweet. The mix of protein and natural sugars will give your body a natural energy and a great boost for those afternoons that seem to drag on and on and on and on…

4. Oatmeal. Not just a breakfast food. It warms and fills your tummy, keeping you full for hours.

5. Rollups. Leave the bread at home: take thinly sliced turkey and fat free cheese and roll the pair together. Throw a few in a Ziploc bag with some carrots and you’ll get a healthy treat for any time of the day.

6. Bagel Chips and Salsa. I don’t know if you’ve looked lately, but salsa is NOT bad for you and tastes fab. What could be better? Dip some bagel chips or baked tortilla chips (or even veggies!) in some salsa and you’ll satisfy your hunger and your carb craving.

7. Veggies and Hummus. Raw veggies like celery, carrots and peppers, are extremely healthy, but can be bland in flavor. A way to spice ‘em up is by dipping them in hummus, which is a great source of iron (from the chick peas) and in general, is not very fattening. If you’re not a fan of hummus, try a low-fat or fat-free veggie dip.

8. Smart Pop. Popcorn is my favorite. Movie popcorn, with the “butter” that you pour on and get all over your hands is my absolute favorite. Too bad it’s bad, bad, bad for you. An alternative? Smart Pop; it’s just as good, but not as buttery or packed with the millions of calories and fat. I like to throw some hot sauce on my Smart Pop to give it a low-fat kick too.

9. Smoothie. If done right (with low-fat or fat free yogurt and FRESH fruit, not that syrupy crap), smoothies are a great source of vitamins, energy and nutrition. Plus they are delish!

10. Cool Whip & Fresh Fruit. Slice up fresh strawberries, blueberries and peaches into a bowl. Throw on some fat-free Cool Whip and you’ll eat this treat right up! Perfect for a hot day when you’re dying for ice cream but don’t want the calories.

What are some of your favorite low-fat snacks?

[Photo courtesy of naturalpath.com]