The Secret To Skinny Snacking

Which snack foods can help you stay on the weight loss straight and narrow? We've got the answers here.

It's 3pm and lunch is a distant memory. Here comes the stomach rumbling... and when you could run the risk of losing your steadfast willpower and blowing your POINTS allowance. Get those visions of vending machines out of your head!

To cure what ails you, you need a delicious, filling snack that won't sabotage all your hard work for the week. But what?

Even though your friend swears by a late afternoon snack of Ryvitas and jam, that doesn't mean that they'll do it for you. So before you reach for a snack, look over our snacking personalities below. Pinpoint the type of food you really want and you won't end up tasting everything in your kitchen cabinets.

What's Your Snacking Personality?

I want A LOT
If you're a volume eater, think small and low in fat: Try cheese-flavoured Snack-a-Jacks, popcorn, baby carrots and salsa, or cherry tomatoes.

I need some quick energy!
Complex carbohydrates are your best bet. They will give you an energy boost and keep you going for longer than just a high sugar food. Try some wholewheat crackers or a small tub of wholewheat pasta, a banana, or one slice of wholemeal toast with marmite.

I need a longer lasting snack
You can gobble down a chocolate in seconds, but ice lollies, hard sweets or frozen grapes take longer to eat. As an alternative, a piping hot cappuccino or steaming mug of tea can also do the trick.

What will tide me over for hours?
A lollipop may take a while to eat but its high sugar dose can be used up in a flash. High-fibre snacks, on the other hand, that contain some protein can stave off hunger for the long haul. Great options include Ryvitas and light soft cheese, peanut butter and apple slices, or a small handful of nuts and dried fruit.

Just keep my hands busy
When emotional eating kicks in and a non-food activity like a walk just won't cut it, (try it, first!) opt for snacks that take some time to prepare: pistachios in the shell, fruit you have to peel (try a whole mango) or a sundae made with yogurt, chopped fruit and cereal. By the time you're finished preparing and eating them, your emotions may well be on the upswing.

Need More Ideas?
Here's what some WeightWatchers.co.uk users say best nips their snack attacks in the bud.

Salty Snacks

• Snack-a-Jacks: "Great crisp alternative."
• Laughing Cow Cheese and Ryvitas: "Creamy and crunchy."
• Butternut Squash Chips: "Put tiny bit of oil over the top, lots of salt and pepper, chilli powder - and pop in oven for about 40 mins - like real chips."
• Popcorn: "The smell alone gives you that excited feeling of going to the movies!"
• Carrot batons and salsa: "Carrots are crunchy so it feels like you're eating crisps."

Sweet Snacks

• Low fat hot chocolate: "A sweet freebie."
• Sugar-free jelly: "Can't tell the difference."
• Grapes cold from the fridge: "My boyfriend now buys me grapes when he gets his chocolate!"
• Low fat yogurt frozen in the freezer: "Feels like you're eating ice cream!"