By Mike Thayer

Here’s an easy to prepare stay-with-you kind of snack that satisfies the tummy and the diet!

Slice up a few generous pieces of Colby Jack cheese, wedge up a Roma tomato and dish out about six Kalamata olives on a small plate.  Salt and pepper to taste, add a bit of olive oil if you like.    And here are the numbers that matter:  Just 5 grams in carbs and a very tasty 6 grams of protein.

It’s a serving of delicious simplicity that will hold you ’til dinner time and not only will it keep the hunger at bay, it’s easier on the wallet vs. traditional packaged snacks.  A block of cheese, a tomato and a jar of olives is not only a healthier bite, a more satisfying mouthful, but is a base for a number of snacks.

So don’t break out the chips, the cookies or ice cream, treat yourself to some cheese, ‘maters and olives instead!