I often get hungry between meals, what can I eat to stop myself snacking?

We’re all guilty of succumbing to occasional tasty snacks that ‘won’t hurt’, whether it’s a mid-morning biscuit, a bar of chocolate between meetings, or a packet of crisps after a meal. But there are a few things you can do. Let’s start with the basics, ensure you have three nutritious meals a day, kicking off with a good breakfast, ideally one high in protein. It’s a cliché, but it’s the most important meal of the day. Maybe add yoghurt, or have an egg. It’ll help you get off on the right foot.

Also, snacking doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Sometimes it just helps to slow down and choose healthy snacks that take a little time to eat, such as tangerines or nuts that need shelling. This gives the sugar chance to hit your bloodstream, and leaves you feeling more satisfied. Go for snacks high in fibre, such as oatmeal, grapefruit, olives, or even popcorn. Also, nutrient-rich snacks curb cravings. It’s also helpful to ensure your midday meal involves plenty of protein, fats and carbs to get you through the afternoon. Try an avocado. Eating ‘on the hoof’ can make you feel like you haven’t eaten. So put your snack on a plate so you properly savour it, ideally away from distractions like the TV or computer screen.

While willpower counts, if there are no snacks in the house, office or car, it should deter you. Avoid throwing any tempting extras into your shopping basket. And if you centre an evening meal on rice, beans and possibly meat, that might ward off evening snacking. We’re not proposing large portions, just generous ones, beefed up by soup or a salad.