BEACH BODY COUNTDOWN: PROTEIN POWER

Here's the key to weight-loss success: Eat some protein at every meal. This helps tide you over until your next meal if you get hungry. You don't need a steak or something heavy at every feeding. A small piece of turkey or chicken breast, an egg or some cottage cheese is fine.

Nuts are another snack that increases satiety. Just a handful between meals will decrease your appetite.

Eating protein throughout the day, such as a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter, some yogurt or soynuts, all keep your blood sugar levels stabilized.

Remember to eat your carbs when you are most active (carbs are fuel for your body) and to eat three well- balanced meals each day.