A diets expert has shared seemingly healthy snacks that should be avoided
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While snacking can help with weight loss, it is important to pick the right items as they will not all be nutritionally balanced.
Warrior's leading nutritionist Jess Hillard shared the snacks to avoid and healthy swaps you can make.
The expert said Britons should be wary of treats that could contain hidden calories and sugar.
She shared the best options to swap for if hoping to cut excess calories and work towards losing fat and slimming down.
Cereal bars can be full of hidden sugars
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Granola and cereal bars
She said: "While marketed as healthy, wholesome snacks, most granola and cereal bars are loaded with added sugars and unhealthy fats. Opt for homemade granola bars using honey or maple syrup and incorporating nuts, seeds, and whole grains."
Cereals
"Breakfast cereals are one of the worst candidates for hiding sugar. Particularly those aimed at children which is even worse.
"Opt for bran flakes, Weetabix, Shredded Wheat - these are all low sugar options which taste great paired with milk and fresh berries."
Smoothies
"While packed with fruits and veg, when you blend something, it gets broken down into free sugars. Making your own is slightly better as you know exactly what is going in.
"These can be great to throw in veg which you wouldn’t normally consume in the morning (for example). However; having the whole fruit is much better as it is not being drunk as free sugars."
Yoghurts
"Yogurt really can trick you. They seem like a convenient and healthy snack, but they very often contain added sugars and artificial flavours. Even if they state no added sugar, they often contain artificial sweeteners.
"Your best option is to choose a plain Greek yogurt which is also higher in protein. You can then sweeten it with fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey."
Dried fruit
"While they offer natural sweetness and some nutritional benefits, they are very high in sugar. Consuming a large amount of dried fruit can amount to consuming a significant amount of sugar, similar to eating a bag of sugary sweets.
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Snack on fruit and vegetables to maintain a healthy weight
PA IMAGES"Moderation is key when consuming dried fruit. They are high in iron and fibre, but a small handful is all that should be consumed. Pairing them with protein or healthy fat can help to mitigate their impact on blood sugar levels."
Jess suggested snacking on the right foods can help with weight management.
She said: "Snacking often is shown in a bad light but it can actually be a fundamental part of our lifestyle with significant importance for both body and brain function.
"While thinking of the term 'snack', one usually thinks of unhealthy options. However, snacking provides the body with essential nutrients and energy throughout the day, supporting overall health and cognitive function.
"Snacking can also aid in weight management and portion control. Overeating is a common occurrence and often people overlook this when wanting to lose weight. Having a snack between meals can help with overeating at mealtimes."