Q: Can you suggest some healthy snacks that can help me in losing weight? Jennifer, LA

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A: The closer food is to its natural state; the better it is for you. Fresh fruits and berries are great and will satisfy a craving for sweets. Whole vegetables have lots of vitamins and minerals, so eat more green, orange and yellow vegetables. Steam them to retain their nutritional value and be careful with sauces, they may be high in calories and fats but aren’t good for you. You can eat pastas or baked items that are made from whole grains. Avoid sugary snacks and pastries. Shop for lean meats and don’t forget fish. The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in ocean fish are often deficient in our diets, so serve seafood two or three times per week. Baked fish and chicken are healthier than fried, and lean meats are healthier than high fat beef. Processed lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages have saturated fats which are not good for us. Stick to water, milk and 100 per cent fruit and vegetable juices as your main beverages and limit sugary soft drinks. If you get tired of plain water, add a slice of lemon or lime to add a touch of flavor.