MARINAS MENU: Control your SNACK ATTACK

Summer get-togethers present challenges for nutrition minded readers. Junk food seems to be everywhere you go from family barbeques to beach outings. Here are our top 5 tips to maintain good eating habits and keep from having a regrettable "snack attack."

-Don't stop at a convenience store to stock up on picnic supplies. Chances are you will be picking up chips and sweets instead of fresh fruit or vegetables.

-Eat first and snack later. You will be less likely to indulge in too much snack food if you have already eaten a healthy meal.

-Portion it out. Read the label and put the serving size on a plate instead of eating out of a bag or box. You will be more likely to overeat when you aren't paying attention to amounts.

-Salty or sweet foods can leave you feeling empty and can increase your cravings for more of them. Chips and cookies do not satisfy your appetite. You may wind up consuming many empty calories.

-Shop wise. If you don't buy a lot of unhealthy snack food, it will not be habit forming. It's better for you and your family if junk food is not readily available.

Enjoy the summer months and keep these tips in mind all year long.