Dinner's at 8. What Now?

Dinners at eight. You're hungry at 6. You ate lunch at 2- what to do, what to do?! Do you have a battle of epic proportions with yourself trying to stay away from the oreos, or potato chips? It would be sooo easy to reach for them, wouldn't it? So easy to down 6 cookies, or diminish half the bag of chips. Come on! You're better than that! Don't ruin your appetite with mindless fillers, who also happen to be saturated fat and carbohydrates...and not the good kind either. They will leave you feeling full, yet unfulfilled. Let's explore some healthier options to tide you over until the dinner bell has rung. What about making a parmesan pita crisp? All it takes it a pita, fresh grated parmesan and some herbs, such as rosemary. Maybe a smattering of olive oil as well. Sprinkle the cheese and herbs over the whole wheat pita, and broil until golden brown. Slice into 4's and enjoy not only a delicious treat, but one that has a good balance of protein, fat and fiber. Are you a cheese head? Then this is the perfect late afternoon snack for you. Take a part-skim mozzarella string cheese, and wrap it in a slice of fresh proscuitto. Pair this with some olives, or artichoke hearts, and you have yourself a nice little antipasto. How about a grown-up grilled cheese snack? Take a piece of whole grain rye toast, and slather it with dijon mustard. Place a piece of sharp cheddar cheese on top. Broil until the cheese melts. Top this with a tomato- and voila, you have a snack that is rich in calcium. These are some ideas for a quick bite to eat, that won't disrupt your dinner plans. If you have any go-to snack favorites, please post below!