Raisins - The Perfect Pre-Walk Snack

It's not to soon to start thinking about that big feast you might tackle tomorrow or that walk you should take just after you stuff down your calories galore.

First things first. Before you head out the door on your power walk, eat some raisins -- they're the perfect pre-walk snack, with the power to help you keep up the pace and crank up your fat-burning reserves.

Check this out: Endurance athletes in one study who ate a few ounces of raisins before 45 minutes of cycling fared better than athletes who threw back a sports gel. Yep, raisin eaters have no problem keeping pace with gel takers, and they have higher blood levels of free fatty acids too.

Raisins rock. They're loaded with antioxidants, fiber, iron and potassium. Best of all, they're easy to sneak into most meals. RealAge suggests trying these sneaky strategies: Sprinkle raisins on hot cereal or on crusty whole-grain bread smeared with peanut butter, toss into your favorite lunch salad, infuse into Indian-inspired cuisine and put them on your pizza.