Brits are Europe's most unhealthy snackers but what should we be nibbling on?

It looks like it’s not just Christmas that has us reaching for the cheeky chocolates and naughty nibbles.

Turns out we Brits are Europe’s most unhealthy snackers as nearly half of us admit to eating between mealtimes.

We’re suckers for the four Cs – cookies, chocolate, cake and crisps, with 41 per cent of us stuffing our faces with the calorific snacks.

According to a new survey by Fruyo, 39 per cent of us reckon we consume more calories from our snacks than our breakfast, lunch and dinner, which isn’t so surprising when only 15 per cent of us choose healthy nibbles.

Unlike nearly a third of our healthy Spanish neighbours, we shun raw veggies and yoghurts in favour of sugar-laden sweets and snacks.

The top reason for all this between meal munching is (unsurprisingly) boredom with 3.04pm being the most popular time for us to reach for the cookies.

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But snacking isn’t all bad news, according to nutritionist and food writer Fiona Hunter, who’s urging all to make better food choices.

‘Snacking should be a positive occasion – using well-chosen products to provide important nutrients. But too many of us are instead turning to ‘grazing’, which involves grabbing something to fill up on that’s quick, easy and often unhealthy.
 
‘When it comes to snacking, Brits need to plan ahead so that they’re not caught short in a moment of hunger and think about products which are high in protein so will keep them fuller for longer, helping to resist further temptation.’

So instead of cookies and cake, next time you feel the hunger pangs strike opt for one of these healthy snacks instead:

Blueberries – these superfood stars are perfect for a sweet pick me up in the afternoon. Sprinkle them on porridge in the morning or stick them in a smoothie to enjoy them in the morning too.

Dark chocolate – instead of munching through a calorie-laden caramel, milk chocolate bar savour a couple of squares of rich dark chocolate. It tastes divine and contains antioxidants.

Peanut butter and apple – a little goes a long way with PB but a teaspoon with an apple will give you a mid-afternoon energy boost.

Popcorn – lighter than crisps, popcorn fills you up and satisfies that sweet or savoury hunger pang. Keep an eye out in your local supermarket for individual bags that come in at less than 100 calories.

9Bars – these gluten, dairy and wheat-free bars are a healthy alternative to surprisingly naughty cereal bars.