Snacking habit? 5 things you should have up your sleeve

Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, peanuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, pistachios or macadamias contain protein, fibre and good fats that can keep you feeling full. Opt for raw rather than the roasted and salted kind when possible and keep your portions on the small side. These strips of 30 gram portions are pretty nifty.  

SHOP NUTS > 

Great for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up and a source of calcium and some B vitamins too, unsweetened dairy products are a good bet for the snack box.  Go for low-fat plain yoghurt (with a small drizzle of honey if you must) or a snacking portion of low-fat cheese.

SHOP YOGHURT > 

A protein-rich snack is a great stopgap before dinner, since it digests slowly and can help to keep you feeling full. It can be as simple as a boiled egg or a couple of pieces of lean biltong, or mini marinated chicken strips. Go slow on processed meats, which can be fatty and high in salt.

SHOP PROTEIN RICH SNACKS > 

If apples aren’t your bag, any piece of fresh fruit will work. Just don’t overdo it, since fruit contains a fair bit of sugar. If you’re short on time, bring a snack tub of ready-cut, seasonal fruit or berries or even a strip of pre-portioned dried fruit chunks to keep in your desk drawer.

SHOP FRESH FRUIT > 

No, not the sugar- and butter-laden kind (though they are pretty delicious). We’re talking crunchy raw veg: mini cucumbers, carrot batons, baby corn, mangetout sugar snap peas and Tenderstem broccoli tips and their high water content means less chance of the hangries at four in the afternoon. Up the treat factor with some hummus for dipping, and you’re set.

SHOP VEGGIE SNACK PACKS > 

For those of you with a little spare time on your hands, here are 4 great recipes to keep your snacking on track (PS: they’re kid-friendly):

No-bake granola bars
Raw date and cocoa balls
Zucchini fritters
Apple, granola and nut butter sarmies