Snacking has a bad reputation and when there are so many snacks available that are not really sustaining or nutritious then it is hardly surprising.

What is a snack? It isn’t mindless grazing on cookies and crisps.

To me a proper snack is more like a mini-meal that contains some nutritious ingredients – perhaps some protein, with some fibre and some fruit or other plants. When we do this we give our bodies a proper little boost that will help with concentration and really bridge the gap until the next meal.

If we can’t space out our meals in a way that we would choose to then managing the day with the help of a snack here or there can be the way forward. Why are there traditions of “elevenses” or “gouter” in our days if there wasn’t a need for an extra little meal sometimes?

Low appetite but high nutrition requirements like recovering from illness might even mean that multiple nutritious snacks through the day are the best way to eat. Small children with little tummies but growing and fidgety can really benefit from nutritious snacks.

Being intentional with snacks is important. Pausing to consider why we might want to eat and is it really a snack we need. Is it boredom or tiredness that needs a little walk around the block? Yet, we also have to remember that those snacks are also points in the day where we need more than just a nutrition boost – it is often a moment where a little pleasure or cheer is needed. We are often drawn to the biscuit tin and the vending machine because we feel a little tired or bored and the sweet sugar rush just lifts the mood. We can do both.

To do the sweet sugar rush alone will not fill that hunger gap and it is likely that a short while after the desire for another little munch returns. Denying ourselves the little sweet hit can make life a little dull.

Eating more mindfully can help us to snack better too. Would you like to know more?

Comment on this with your favourite filling snack.