Are You A Happy Snacker?

Women are eating ‘two biscuits too many each day’ and must lose weight to curb their risk of cancer, experts say

- Lynsey Hope

There are 166 calories in two milk-chocolate digestive biscuits and cutting them out could reduce the risk of illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. It might sound easy – but do we really take note of all the snacks we eat? Nutritionist Amanda Ursell says, ‘It is ridiculously easy to underestimate our own calorie intake, not least because of “snack amnesia”, when we forget things.’ Here, two mums who have struggled to lose weight share their food diaries with Amanda, who analyses them to find out where the extra calories are sneaking in.

‘I TEND TO EAT AND DRINK OUT OF STRESS AND ANXIETY’

Ellie Swinhoe, 48, is a jewellery artist. She lives in Somerset, with her partner and 14-year-old daughter. I’ve been a size 14 for as long as I can remember but have always wanted to be a 12. When I diet, I’m quite successful but then never maintain it. At home, I cook from scratch and include loads of veg. I don’t think our meals are unhealthy and we try not to have chocolate or biscuits. We kept the diary when I did a lot of socialising and I did have a couple of blowout days.

I was shocked to see how much fat and saturated fat were in my diet. Amanda also said there wasn’t enough fibre. I was surprised, as I’m pescatarian. I tend to eat and drink out of stress and anxiety. I start my day with fruit and yoghurt but, by the end of the day, the stress has built up and I make less healthy choices. I’m very good in front of others but do a bit of secret snacking. My downfall is bread, cheese and savoury snacks. I’m determined to start eating better, stop snacking and to stop drinking alcohol during the week.

Day 1

✵ BREAKFAST: Hot water, coffee with skimmed milk, strawberries, and blueberries with zero percent fat natural yoghurt and a teaspoon of maple syrup, orange juice