Diet tips: confessions of a secret snacker
Are you a secret snacker? One in three women admitted to stashing sweet treats and fatty foods in a poll for the American Pistachio Growers. Embarrassment about the type of food they eat, as well as the amount of snacks they consume means 33% choose to enjoy a quiet pick-me-up when no-one else is watching, it seems.
Two thirds of ladies said that they keep their snacks a secret from their own partner and half admit they feel guilty after enjoying a treat. Almost half also admitted they were embarrassed about how often they snack on something, while 55% said that they were self-conscious that people thought they ate too much.
The study of 2,000 Brits also found that almost one in 10 admitted hiding food under their bed!
Dr. Cathy Kapica, Adjunct Professor of Nutrition at Tufts University, and a science advisor to the American Pistachio Growers, said: "The odd snack here and there isn't a bad thing. In fact snacks can be an important part of a healthy eating style. Choosing snack foods that are nutritious and taste good may help alleviate the sense of guilt, and the need for secrecy around snacking."
Next time you get a snack attack, try a small handful of unsalted nuts, a box of raisins, fruit or a smoothie for a guilt-free hunger-buster.
