It’s the nation’s most guilty pleasure, but experts* recommend eating two sensible snacks a day as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Around 96 % of people admit snacking in secret, but a new report from Kellogg’s says eating three meals and two snacks a day is nothing to be ashamed of – if managed correctly it can help maintain weight and boost mood and energy.

 
An average adult should typically consume 2000 calories a day made up of 500 for breakfast, 500 for lunch, 500 for dinner and the remaining 500 for mid morning and afternoon snacks.

In the “Smarter Snacking” report, by Kellogg’s, snacking has been shown to have the following key benefits:

 * Portion Control

Eating 3 main meals plus 2 snacks can control hunger and calorie gorging, as

73% overeat at meal times

Weight Management

Snacking doesn’t always cause us to be overweight – it may actually have a more beneficial effect on appetite and body weight control

* Better Mood, Brighter Thoughts

Eating small meals and regular snacks can put you in a better mood and

enhance mental performance – 78% of people feel more productive if they have two breaks per day

* Enhanced Performance

Carbohydrate-rich foods that are low in fat can enhance physical performance

 
It’s a far cry from being told not to ‘ruin your dinner’ as the nutrition team behind the research advise a 3 + 2 approach to your diet  - 3 meals and

2 snacks a day to maintain weight, as this can help meet dietary guidelines and provide essential nutrients as well as to keep energy levels up to lead

a more physically active lifestyle.

Finally snackers can be out and proud! It will be a relief for the nation’s secret nibblers as the study revealed that over 60 million Brits actually

conceal the fact that we have snacks at all.

Nutritionist, Nigel Denby, comments, “Too many of us feel guilty about snacking believing it is unhealthy and will make us put on weight. Kellogg’s

research suggests quite the reverse. Snacking between meals isn’t bad for you as long as you’re sensible. We need to get back to basics by eating

three main meals plus two nutritious snacks a day at the traditional refreshment times of 11 and 4 o’clock and to be as active as possible - it’s

as simple as that.”

Stevie Reid, Kellogg’s Nutritionist says snacking has become a dirty word in dieting.

She added: “Snacking has become a dirty word in dieting associated with high

calorie, fatty foods. In fact, snacking twice a day on the right foods can

have a range of benefits physically, cognitively and emotionally. We hope

this new research actually encourages people to take a less fad led approach

to their diets and instead eat sensibly.”

Smarter Snacking Top Tips:

For further information visit www.smartersnacking.co.uk

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