Snack smart: Tips for making healthier choices

Snack smart: Tips for making healthier choices (Photo: iStock)

Indiscriminate snacking on high-fat, high-salt treats like chocolate, biscuits, cakes, and chips is a major contributor to weight gain.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that rising rates of overweight and obesity threaten the health of billions worldwide.

While some lifestyle and dietary factors contribute to this issue, there is hope.

Making healthier snack choices can help manage weight, improve mood, enhance workouts and boost mental capacity. Here's how to snack smart:

Plan ahead: Stock up on healthy options like fruit, oatcakes, cereal bars, yoghurts, nuts and seeds. Pack a couple of snacks before leaving the house. Whenever you feel hungry or your energy levels drop, reach for one of these healthy options.

Portion control: Stick to the serving size on the packet. Aim for snacks to make up about 10% of your daily calorie intake.

Count the drinks: Remember, lattes, smoothies, juices, milky teas and coffees contain calories too. Factor these into your snack quota and avoid exceeding it.

Vary your snacks: Maximise nutrients by choosing a variety of snacks. Try fat-free cream cheese as a dip with celery, carrots and tomatoes, and explore a range of crisp brown bread or dried fruits.