Healthy snacks make people fat: Nutritionist

Items considered healthy such as cereal bars, bran-flakes and low fat biscuits were loaded with sugar and while they provided temporary energy boost, made people fat, says a researcher.

When preparing snacks, people need to choose low-energy releasing foods and avoid sipping on smoothies or fruit juices, nutritionist Sarah Schenker was quoted as saying in the Daily Mail. ''So many people are misled by snacks which we're told are healthy. In reality people need to think about the nutritional content and how that can help you maintain your energy levels,'' Schenker said.

She suggested alternatives to such snacks that could ensure one was consuming all the right foods.

According to Schenker, people need to switch to low-fat biscuits from oatcakes with hummus as oatcakes had much lower sugar content than many low-fat biscuits on the market and made a great source of fibre. Cereal bars could be swapped for peanut butter on wholemeal toast as they were often packed with hidden sugars, which had natural source of protein and helped to maintain energy levels, perfect for the big day ahead.

''Snacking still has negative connotations that need to be overcome - which I fully support. Introducing convenient and nutritious foods can overcome the stigma of snacking and help us to become more active and healthier,'' Schenker said.

"So many people are misled by snacks which we're told are healthy. In reality people need to think about the nutritional content and how that can help you maintain your energy levels," Schenker said.

Coconut water contained less sugar than most fruit juices and could be a better choice for adults and kids looking for a beverage that was less sweet. It also provided electrolytes that could help one rehydrate more effectively.