We all seem to be hungry, tired, and too busy these days. For those of us in the northern regions, this seems especially true.

As good as the gym can feel (especially if it has a hot tub!), winter doldrums can really get in the way of getting to there. Add to that all those winter comfort foods and — voila! — you may be experiencing what I call the “winter chubbies.”

SO, here to the rescue are 5 foods that fight fat, help us feel energized, and keep the winter blues at bay.

1. Power up with Kay’s Naturals high-protein, gluten-free snacks and cereals are THE PERFECT snack, high-energy meal replacement, and all around pick-me-up to get you going — whether you’re running out the door or running in the gym. With as much protein as 2.5 eggs in each serving, these foods are formulated with our patented Better Balance(TM) of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates to help you lose weight, build lean muscle, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Just click here to check out the gourmet flavors (a savory winter-time fave is Lemon Herb Protein Chips. For something sweet, try brand-new protein-packed Honey Almond Cookie Bites).

2. Say Cheese! According to Shawn McKee at ediets.com, cheese is one of the most versatile and delicious foods of all time. It can improve your omelet, upgrade a burger or be eaten all alone as a tasty snack. And if those weren’t enough it can actually help you avoid gaining weight. McKee goes on to say, “According to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who ate an ounce of full-fat cheese daily gained fewer pounds than their cheese-deprived counterparts over the course of the study. Full-fat dairy contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is believed to boost your metabolism; cheese is also a great source of muscle-building protein. Is there anything this wonder food can’t do?”To get the benefits of cheese with Kay’s Naturals, try my personal favorite, Crispy Parmesan Protein Chips.