Though snacking is often associated with eating fatty and sugary foods, a snack is basically something light to eat, instead of or in between breakfast, lunch or dinner. Snacking between meals will only make you gain weight if you're already getting the right amount of calories from your main meals. If this happens, eat a little less at breakfast, lunch or dinner, or do some extra activity to balance things out. Popcorn was eaten as long ago as 300AD by ancient Inca civilisations. See Three to Try for some alternative snack ideas.
Snacks can be a wonderful source of nutrients.
For example, foods like yogurt, fromage frais, cheese slices and enriched cereal bars are good extra sources of calcium - important for bone health. Liquid snacks , such as fruit and vegetable juices or low fat milk shakes, are full of goodness too. Plus hot chocolate has beneficial nutrients, such as iron. Some people choose to have 6 or 7 snacks a day, rather than main meals. A few studies have shown that this is a great way of beating hunger and keeping your body's energy levels on an even keel.