New Year New You

Everyone gets snack-attacks. That moment in the day where you just crave a bar of chocolate or a sneaky biscuit.

Nutritionist Amanda Hamilton advises that you plan healthy alternatives to stop you getting a quick fix from a sugary treat.

She says: “If you need some chocolate (which is just simply the case sometimes!) then stick to dark as most people need less of it to feel satisfied and it is only 60 calories for two squares compared to 265 calories for an average milk chocolate bar.

“Hot chocolate is no better either. A large serving topped off with cream could come in at an eye watering 500 calories. Ouch.”

So what about your cup of tea to get you through the day? Amanda says: “Avoid sugar in your tea. Five cups of sugary tea can add up to almost 500 empty calories, not to mention the biscuits you dunk alongside.

“Try to break the sweet habit altogether rather than swap for sweeteners since researchers now believe that sweeteners followed by no calories may make the body crave extra food.”

Is drinking a good substitute for a snack? Apparently not. Amanda advises you “eat, don’t drink. A small 200ml glass of orange juice counts as one of your five daily fruit and vegetables and gives you just 100 calories. However, if you consume an average amount which is around a litre, remember you will be drinking 500 calories.

“You could tuck into a baked potato with tuna and two pieces of fruit for the same calorie consumption.” Yikes!

She also adds: “Be careful with shop-bought smoothies which can contain around 300 calories per serving. Use them as a meal, not a drink. Even better, make your own with skimmed milk, berries and half a banana to halve the calories.”

Do you have any snack suggestions? Email us at eatwell@stv.tv