So You Want to go on a Diet #5: Time to Eat

After lunch, women are ready for...more food. Thirty-eight percent say they eat the most during the afternoon hours. Another 31 percent wait until they get home from work to start munching. Only 10 percent eat more in the morning than any other time of day.

Skimping on food early and then snacking all afternoon is not a good plan for diet success, says Lauren Antonucci, R.D., owner of Nutrition Energy in New York City. 'If you don't eat breakfast, your metabolism slows down to conserve fuel, which means you'll burn fewer calories," she explains. Plus, it's hard to make smart food choices when you're starving. A better bet: spread your calories throughout the day for a steady stream of energy. Eat 300-400 calories for breakfast, 400-500 for lunch and dinner and add two 100-200 calorie snacks daily. By planning to eat more frequently, you can eliminate some of the mindless munching you do until your next meal.

Also, make sure to keep healthy snacks on hand frequently. If you work at a desk, stash pre-portioned snacks like trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, granola bars and fruit. If you have a refrigerator or microwave, fresh veggies, oatmeal and string cheese are great options too. If you are on-the-go and have an urge to stop at a fast food joint for a quick afternoon pick-me-up, choose one of the healthier options, such as the Fruit and Yogurt Parfait from McDonald's (160 calories), small cup of chili from Wendy's (210 calories) or your favorite Jimmy John's sandwich as a lettuce wrap (the Turkey Tom lettuce wrap - without mayo - is only 80 calories!). Better yet, stop at a grocery

store or convenience store to pick up a fresh piece of produce or container of low-fat yogurt - you will save calories AND money!