My 6-Week Slim-Down main goal: I lost 30 pounds three years ago - and then I had a baby! Most of the baby weight came off but -- two years later -- I am still finding that last 5 pounds hard to take off. So, my goal is to get a good start on losing that by paying close attention to what I'm eating. Challenges: I tend to reach for junk food instead of choosing healthy snacks.  I tend to eat under stress, particularly at work or at the end of the day when my willpower and patience have been used up by kids and job and commuting and everything else. I also have a bad habit of not eating until I'm really hungry. And sometimes, mornings at my house are crazy and I walk out glad my shirt is on the right side out (I just had to go check), never mind with a lunch box full of healthy choices.  You know the result: At 3:30 I find myself breaking open a bag of chips. Successes: I committed to planning my lunches and healthy snacks for the six weeks. I also looked for snacks that are healthy versions of things I naturally reach for.  Here are the three things that are working for me so far:

• Make ahead salads: Each week (last and this one) I've made a big healthy salad and divided it up into individual containers in the fridge. I love this Black Bean and Corn with Monterey Jack Cheese Salad.
• Healthy snacks standing in for the ones I buy on impulse: I've found that seaweed roasted in sesame oil with salt (I found individual packs at Costco) is a great substitute for chips. I've got a few in my drawer at work and a few packs in the trunk of my car. And the seaweed may be helping me live longer!
• Plan healthy snacks right through the end of the day: That nighttime period is still the biggest danger zone for me, so rather than leaving what I'll eat to my own whim, I actually plan the snack I'm going to have as I hang out on Facebook. Tonight it's Greek yoghurt!

If you want to share your healthy snack ideas, particularly for families on the go, I would love to hear them!