Is snacking hurting or helping you?... Discover the suprising truth!

I just ate a chocolate chickpea cookie and it's 10:53 am as I'm writing this!

When it comes to snacking, many of you ask:

"Should I snack or not?"

The answer isn’t always black and white.

Snacking can be a helpful and strategic way to support your health, when done right.

Here’s how snacking can support your health goals:

Keep Your Blood Sugar Balanced

Have you ever felt that "ravenous" hunger before dinner? That drop in energy levels can send you reaching for biscuits or crisps while preparing your meal. Snacking can prevent that.

A quick, healthy snack keeps your energy steady and helps you avoid those extreme highs and lows.

Try pairing a piece of fruit with a handful of nuts to prevent those dips without reaching for processed foods.

Or try a small chocolate chickpea cookie :-) (from Fitfish for a Fiver Feb Pack)

Beat the Afternoon Slump with the Right Snack
Do you ever hit a mental fog at 2 PM? That’s your body signalling it might need a pick-me-up.

But sugary options aren’t the answer.

Instead of grabbing biscuits or sweets:

• Have a small snack that supports focus, like a handful of seeds or a small piece of fruit.

• Take a walk or drink some water.

Healthy snacking can boost your brain power and keep you alert without the crash that follows sugary or carby options.

Use Snacks to Fill Any Nutritional Gaps

Not sure if you’re meeting your nutrient goals? Snacks can be a great way to add missing vitamins, minerals, or healthy fats.

For healthy fats: Snack on nuts, seeds, or olives.

For calcium & iron: A small dairy snack or leafy greens can help.

For fibre: Add veggies and fruits to your snack choices.

Remember: Snacking doesn’t just give you energy, it’s an opportunity to ensure your body gets the right nutrients you might be missing.

Snacks Before & After Exercise Matter

Exercise can feel much harder if you’re either too hungry or too full.

Listen to your body, I personally like exercising on a very empty stomach and by preference won't eat for at least 3 hours, but you might be different.

You could try:

Before your workout: A very light snack 15–30 minutes before can give you the energy you need.

After your workout: A protein-biased snack within an hour post-workout helps your muscles recover faster.

Snacks can make your workout routine more flexible and support muscle recovery, so you can focus on staying active long-term.

Enjoyment is Part of Healthy Snacking

Sometimes you just want to snack, and that’s okay too! Food has a purpose beyond fuel, it brings joy.

Healthy snacking choices:

• A handful of nuts and seeds

• A small piece of fruit and nut butter

• Veggies & hummus

• Cucumber and a small amount of cheese

And here’s my top tip: Drink a glass of water when you snack. This helps ensure hydration and can make your snack more satisfying, so you won’t feel the need to overeat.

So snacking isn’t about restriction; it’s about choice.

Ask yourself:
Do I need a snack?

Am I reaching for this because I’m hungry, or because I want it? Do I really want it or can I wait for my next meal?

Healthy snacking keeps your energy stable, prevents extreme hunger, supports exercise, and gives you the chance to enjoy a full variety of nutrients.

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for a snack, make it count, choose a small, balanced, mindful option that supports your goals.

We have loads of healthy snack ideas in the Fitfish for a Fiver membership. I'm working on a nut-free snack bar for the next pack as we speak!