Snack swaps
When we’re busy, distracted or bored we often look for a snack, and don’t realise how many we’ve eaten.
The problem is that our bodies are geared up for storing fat, so eating fatty or sugary snacks is a very quick way of adding to our fat stores, which can lead to weight gain.
But you don’t have to lose snacks from your diet altogether. Try cutting down and swapping them for some delicious healthy snacks instead.
Top tips to curb the snacking
Leave them on the shelf
If we buy snacks, we’ll eat them – one of the best ways to cut back on snacking is not buying them in the first place.
Are you hungry, or thirsty?
Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between hunger and thirst. A glass of water can take away that 'hungry' feeling and make you feel more full – and it doesn't have any calories!
Hide-away
If we can see food, it’s human nature to want to eat it. Keep snacks hidden away so you’re not tempted.
Out of reach
We’re less likely to eat snacks if they’re harder to get to. Keep the unhealthy snacks at the back or top of the cupboard.
Use small bowls
Don’t eat straight out of a big packet of snacks (it could make us eat up to ¼ more without even realising it). Instead, put your snacks in a small bowl.
Watch-out for TV snacking
Eating distractedly e.g. in front of the TV, means we eat more without noticing or even enjoying it. Swap the TV for the table.
Start with breakfast
If you have a healthy breakfast in the morning you’re less likely to want to snack before lunch.
Find healthy breakfast ideas with Breakfast4Life
Take a look at our snack swap tool for healthy and delicious snack suggestions.