snacking

It really is fine to snack – so long as you maintain a healthy balance of foods and keep yourself active.

You will need to count your snack portions as part of your overall food intake and write them in your food diary. Snacks help keep you going through the day especially if it’s a long time between breakfast, lunch and your evening meal. They could also stop you from getting too hungry and eating more than you really need or making the wrong choice at meal times. It makes sense to follow these practical tips: • Plan to have snacks at regular times, rather than snacking at random times • Try not to snack in the hour before mealtime • Plan what you are going to have for your snack • Try to have a variety of different snacks rather than relying on one type of food • Save money - don’t rely on vending machines. Most do not offer healthy choices Remember snacking shouldn’t be about just grabbing anything at anytime. Get into good habits of regular snacks at regular times. Try some of the following ideas: • Small bowl of cereal with skimmed/ semi-skimmed milk • 1 slice of wholemeal toast with peanut butter • Handful of vegetable sticks with low fat dip • Reduced fat hummus and pitta fingers • 1 low fat/low sugar yoghurt • Glass of skimmed/semi-skimmed milk • Fruit smoothie (150 ml) • Bowl of vegetable soup • 1 toasted English muffin • Small bowl of homemade popcorn • 1 toasted bagel or crumpet • Bowl of plain instant oats with fruit added • 2 oatcakes or crackers • Small (matchbox sized) chunk of cheese • Handful of fresh or dried fruit – there’s so many to choose from! • Handful of mixed nuts • 1 slice fruit or malt loaf • Piece of fruit