It's hard to settle for an apple and a scoop of soggy cottage cheese when your body is demanding spoonfuls of Nutella. So we went to some top nutritionists to find out how they cope with munchies...
Hunger buster
"A mini Babybel and a handful of whole grain crackers gives me 4 grams of satisfying protein and 15 per cent of my calcium needs. The portion size is just right, too—keeping kilojoules in check. Mini Babybels also pair well with a sliced crisp apple or dried fruit—fruits supply the potassium that 97 per cent of us don't get enough of." Bonnie Taub-Dix
Salt fix
"If I have a yen for a salty snack, I dip celery sticks in salsa or eat cucumber sticks sprinkled with lime juice, salt, and chili powder. It's salty and crunchy, and as a bonus, you also load up on veggies." Vandana Sheth
On the sweet side
"To help curb my sweet tooth, I turn to Greek yogurt—it has about 40 per cent less sugar and sodium than traditional yogurt, and about twice the protein. I mix it with 2 teaspoons of 100% maple syrup and sprinkle chopped peanuts and sliced strawberries on top." Toby Amidor
Crunch time
"A whole organic apple with a handful of lightly salted almonds or 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter is a fantastic combination of healthy fats, filling fiber, and protein, and also has that crave-worthy crunch factor. I also love steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt—buy it frozen and steam it in the microwave. It's a great substitute for salty chips, as well as an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein." Kelly Hogan
Go nuts
"One of my recent go-to's, if I want something crunchy and savory, is popcorn paired with a protein such as a string cheese or a handful of unsalted walnuts or almonds. When I crave sweets, I go bananas with peanut butter or plain Greek yogurt with frozen mango, walnuts, and a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut." Shannon Szeles
D-I-Y
"I swear by my homemade trail mix. I create little bags of nuts, raisins, goji berries, and cacao chips for a blend of sweet, salty, and a little crunch. It's got a good combination of powerful proteins, complex fibre-filled carbohydrates, and healthy fats to regulate blood sugar and prevent forays over to the office vending machine." Dawn Lerman
Popped up
"Air-popped popcorn is a great fibre-filled, whole grain snack. To satisfy a sweet craving, I'll add 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips or 1 teaspoon of melted butter with cinnamon. For a savory snack, I'll mix a pinch of rosemary with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese or garlic powder on top. Combined with a glass of water or seltzer, I feel perfectly full." Rebecca Shenkman
Go down smooth
"When I crave ice cream, I pull out my food processor and whip up a quick batch of 'nice cream,' which is a frozen banana blended with a tablespoon of nut butter along with unsweetened cocoa and a few frozen dark cherries." Lauren Blake
Protein power
"When it comes to snack time, I'm all about the protein for its satiety and lasting energy. I'm a big fan of canned tuna because it makes it so easy to prepare a flavorful snack and it locks in food's freshness and nutrition. Scoop half a can of tuna into half an avocado—make a second one and refrigerate for later." Rebecca Scritchfield
Carb savvy
"If I'm craving carbs, I swear by one slice of toasted sprouted-grain bread or half an English muffin with ⅓ mashed avocado on top and a sprinkle of lemon juice. This is a great combination of fiber and healthy fats to help keep me satisfied and my blood sugar levels steady, and the creaminess of the avocado is a great substitution for butter or other spreads high in saturated fat." Kelly Hogan
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