Snack attack!

Do you ever get an attack of the munchies? Is the pull of the cookie jar greater than that of the fruit bowl? Do you roll your eyes when you hear another slimmer say they’ve lost the taste for chips and chocolate?

You may always love chocolate – and why not? Life’s for enjoying. But if you love being slim, developing a taste for healthier snacks too could just be the key to lasting success. Combat cravings with choice power using these tried and tested Food Optimising tips:

1. Scientists believe that our taste for sugar has developed so we can distinguish ripe from unripe and potentially poisonous fruits! Sugar combined with fat creates a food that is doubly irresistible – studies have shown that we enjoy the way fatty foods feel in our mouth, hence the association with pleasure!

Give these tempting trouble-makers the cold-shoulder and try alternative snacks that are low in sugar and fat. You’ll find plenty of delicious options included in our filling 7-day sample menu.

2. Plan for success - if you’ve planned ahead with your shopping and food preparation there will always be a healthy option available. Keep your fridge stocked with those healthy snacks that still feel indulgent - lychees, apricots, strawberries, prawns, smoked salmon or even oysters!

3. We’re really not going to suggest you swap chocolate for chicory or anything daft like that! If you fancy chocolate, enjoy it – and keep track of the Syns. Some chocoholic slimmers have found that buying one expensive, high quality bar (e.g. 70% cocoa solids), has made them want to savour smaller amounts. It’s like enjoying fine wine – except you don’t need to spit it out at the end!

4. Raise your awareness. If you always drink a cup of coffee at 11am and that means you also dip into the cookie jar – several times - switching to a glass of water or diet coke (for the caffeine hit) could help. You may find that you no longer crave the biscuit – and that a handful of cherries or a banana will do instead. Alternatively, fill the cookie jar with lower-Syn snacks and keep track.

Once you’ve managed to get through the first few weeks, the chances are you’ll be so motivated by the lost pounds and the way you feel that you won’t want to go back to your old unhealthy eating habits. bodyOptimise’s nutritionist, Dr Jacquie Lavin says, ‘The healthy glow and mental satisfaction you get out of eating better can give you a real buzz. When you discover the rewards, you won’t want to turn back.’