We have been told time and time again, that snacking regularly is bad for us. But is it as bad as it’s made out to be?

No doubt you have heard the saying, that snacking between meals ruins your appetite and now we are even being told that snacking is the demon behind the modern-day crisis of obesity.

But if you an active kinda guy, then neither of the above may necessarily be true. On average, men need to consume an extra 600 calories more per day than women. Factors such as height, weight and occupation, can push this figure even higher still.

Basically, snacking can be a good thing. It can give you the extra calories you need, whenever you need them.

Snacking is pretty much essential if you miss a meal, as busy men are liable to do. Many of us regard meals as a low priority when we’ve got a hundred other things to do.

Snacking is not a problem, if you lead a busy life. However, it then because a problem if you choose to snack of the wrong types of foods.  Another advantage of snacking is that it gives you energy for specific occasions, like a workout or football game, for example.

Now, experts are actually saying that having three big meals is a mistake, and that instead we should have three smaller meals and some snacks, too.

Digesting large meals is hard work for your body and can actually make you feel lethargic. However, eating five times a day isn’t for everyone and can often be bad for those people who are prone to over-eating. But if you lead an active life, then this can be a very effective way of maintaining energy.

The American Dietetic Association suggests that if you’re truly hungry, a small snack could be a good way to ‘tide you over’ until you are ready for a big meal. If you don’t snack when you feel hungry, your blood sugar can drop sharply.

The dangers of snacking

The dangers of snacking are pretty basic. If you snack at the wrong times, with the Snacks high in fat, wrong foods, you are highly likely to gain weight.

What should men snack on?

There are a few rules for snacking. First, your snack shouldn’t be the sugary, carbohydrate-heavy type. This will only send your blood levels soaring.

When it comes to snacking, you should try high-fibre cereal topped with fresh fruit, picking at slices of lean ham, turkey or beef, or dipping into a punnet of cherry tomatoes throughout the day. This is extremely health and is almost certain to keep your hunger at bay.

If you find yourself a bit peckish before playing sports, oatmeal is a great snack. It has a healthy balance of protein and good carbohydrates. This releases glucose into the bloodstream more slowly, which then avoids peaks and troughs in blood sugar levels.) If you prefer energy bars, go for ones that are low in fat and sugar and made from whole oats.

Smoothies are another fabulously healthy way to see you through the afternoon. Made from a mix of fruits and either yoghurt or soya milk. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a healthy snack!
And finally, there’s chocolate. Yep, you heard that right. But it has to be the dark stuff, rich in heart healthy flavonoids. Milk chocolate is too high in sugar and fat.

Get snacking

Forget what you heard, snacking can be beneficial for most men! Snacking gives extra energy and helps you to avoid low-sugar lumps. Remember, this is only true if you snack on the right things!