It can also get you through that afternoon slump, or, when used wisely, can successfully keep hunger at bay so that you don’t give in to the temptation of office treats.

On the other hand, snacking, if overused or ‘abused’, can totally jeopardize weight-loss, or result in weight gain over time. It can quash your energy levels if sugary and processed foods are consumed, causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Inappropriate snacking can mean poor appetite for your planned healthy meals, and it can also make you feel lethargic and guilty, leading to further poor snacking!

In trying to understand what might be affecting your energy levels, keeping a Health Journal is highly recommended. Monitor your energy levels (on a scale of 1-10) at various times during the day, spot the dips, and perhaps this is where a healthy snack will help ‘revitalize’!

If you suffer from that afternoon slump, like many people do, perhaps it’s because there’s a long gap between lunch and your evening meal – a healthy snack will give you that little boost you need to keep going. A great pick-me-up is something that’s nutritious, but doesn’t quickly raise your blood sugar levels – this would be something that is low in sugar, and contains some protein or heathy fat. A good choice would be a banana spread with nut butter, crudités with hummus, an energy ball or healthy energy bar. The key is to have something planned, and readily available, otherwise we tend to grab for the nearest convenient food, which is often not so healthy.

If weight-loss is a goal, be careful not to let the habit of regular snacking creep in. We don’t need a mid-morning, mid-afternoon and night-time snack – unless required for energy, workout recovery, to stave off hunger, and sure, for the occasional treat. The message here is not to let snack-time be an excuse to have a regular ’treat’ .

For those of you who do suffer from occasional mindless nibbling, the guide below includes some strategies to help deal with this – nibbling is certainly a factor in weight management.

You can print the Healthy Snack Lists (part of this guide) to hang in your kitchen; highlight a few favourites, and plan to have these on hand for when that energy slump hits, whether at home or at the office.

Let me know how you go! And as always, happy to take your questions.

Keep up the great work!