Snack the right way and lose weight

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'They' say that when you diet you shouldn't be hungry, and 'they' aren't wrong.

Sensible snacking can help your health and waistline, not only is eating well important for weight management, but what we put into our bodies can also actively boost long-term health.

If you're trying to lose weight, however, knowing exactly what to eat can be confusing, especially when it comes to snacking.

A recent survey of 2,000 British office workers by snack brand Popchips found that, while 72% said they started the day full of energy, most said they experienced slumps by the late morning, reaching for a snack at 11.30am.

Snacks are often seen as 'bad' when people are trying to lose weight, but ditching them altogether could be counterproductive.

"Snacks are certainly not the enemy," says British Dietetic Association spokesperson Sioned Quirke, whose website Quirky Nutrition is full of useful information on healthy eating.

"Of course, if we snack on unhealthy foods and drinks regularly, such as chocolate, sweets, biscuits, crisps and fizzy pop, these will significantly increase our calorie intake and affect our weight.

"That doesn't mean we can never have these foods, we just need to look at the frequency."

Ben Pratt, from leading health and fitness training provider Premier Training International, agrees that letting yourself get too hungry can be detrimental.

"The hungrier you become - and we've all been there - the less wise your food choices are likely to be," he adds.

Being snack savvy could be beneficial to your waistline - and your health!

Five super snacks

Fruit

Naturally sweet, bananas are high in soluble fibre so keep you feeling full for longer, plus they contain heart health-boosting potassium and are a good source of vitamin B6, important for immune function, while oranges, kiwis and apples are all high in vitamin C.

Raw veg

A handful of carrot batons is naturally low in fat and calories and packed with alpha and beta-carotene, which, when consumed regularly, have been linked with a reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

Alternate with some chopped raw pepper, to up your fibre and healthy carb intake. A bit of hummus will add flavour and protein.

Popcorn

Brilliant if you want volume but hardly any calories or fat (providing you stick to plain varieties). Popcorn's not oozing with nutrients but it is a good substitute for people who are cutting down on unhealthy habits.

Yoghurt

Sprinkled with some healthy cereal or oats or a few chunks of fruit, a plain yoghurt snack could be a great balance of healthy fats, carb, protein and calcium, as well as being delicious and satisfying.

Nuts and seeds

The ideal way to boost your brain and heart-boosting omega 3 intake, nuts and seeds can also be great sources of magnesium, zinc and selenium - cashews, walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds are all fab.

A small handful's a useful guide, and - particularly important if you're watching your blood pressure - make sure they're unsalted!Read more at:cheap cocktail dresses