NuTrItIoNs In BiScUiTs/SnAcKS

Snacking is an important part of our daily routine, providing eating enjoyment and essential nutrients for our bodies. As our lives are now busier than ever, it's not surprising that snacking is on the increase. Arnott's provide a great range of snacks to choose from, and it's made easier with single serve and handy pack formats that can be eaten 'on the go'.

Is snacking good for you?

In moderation and as part of a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle, snacking can be good for you. Biscuits and crispbreads such as Arnott's Snack Right and Vita-Weat can be enjoyed regularly as part of a balanced diet to help maintain wellbeing.

Arnott's Tiny Teddy and Shapes come in small, convenient packs that make fun, occasional treats for the lunchbox or weekend outings. Children need to eat regularly to replace the energy they use and to provide nutrients essential for their growth and good health, so snacks are an important part of their diet.


Tips for healthy snacking

• Stop thinking about foods as good or bad. A moderate amount of any food can be included in a healthy diet.
• Regular snacks are best for keeping blood sugar and energy levels constant
• Stick to the sensible serve size to avoid overeating. Arnott's is in the process of reducing the serve size across most of its biscuit range to make it even easier for people to achieve the right balance in their diet
• Think ahead and plan your snacks. Stock the pantry and your office drawer with a variety of snack choices.
• Drink plenty of water. Fluids such as fruit and vegetable juices provide a range of nutrients and are also important to prevent dehydration in warmer weather.
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What makes a healthy snack?

• Healthy snacks provide you with nutrients that you may not get at meal times.
• A healthy snack, high in carbohydrates from grain-based foods such as some biscuits and crispbreads, provides energy to the brain and power to working muscles.
• Adding your favourite toppings such as reduced – fat cheese and tomato to crispbreads and crackers helps to meet your daily nutritional needs.
• Snacks containing wholegrains, such as Vita-Weat, can supply sustained energy and a feeling of fullness. They are also a good fibre source and provide a range of protective phytonutrients.
• Snacks based on fresh or dried fruit provide a range of essential nutrients and fibre. We should aim to eat 2 pieces of fruit everyday.
• Having a glass of fruit and vegetable juice or milk with your favourite snack increases the amount of vitamins and minerals in your diet.
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Snack ideas

• Share a box of Tim Tam Balls or a box of Cheezels with your friends when you're watching television or a DVD so you don't eat them all by yourself.
• Pack portable snacks to have while on the go. Arnott's Shapes and Tasty Jacks come in convenient, portion control packs that are great for school or weekend activities.
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Why is snacking important?

• Our blood sugar levels start to fall 4-6 hours after eating a meal. This can result in fatigue, irritability and poor concentration. Keeping your blood sugar relatively constant will result in balanced moods, better concentration and consistent energy levels.
• Sensible snacking on a wide variety of nutritious foods can help maintain a healthy weight.
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When should I have a snack?

• Between meals or roughly every 3-4 hours to even out blood sugar levels.
• Snacking before you feel hungry may help prevent you from overeating at your next main meal.
• Regular snacks can give you an energy boost to help fuel your body between meals. This is particurly important for growing, active kids.
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What are the benefits of snacking?

• Snacking can help increase your metabolic rate and stimulate your body to work more efficiently.
• Snacks can provide essential nutrients such as energy-giving carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibre
• Studies have shown that nutritious snacks may improve memory, attention and problem solving abilities.
• Biscuits, crackers and some savoury snack foods like Cheezels, which are made from Australian grown corn and rice, can contribute towards achieving the recommended 11 servings of cereal foods a day
• The Glycemic Index (GI) ranks foods on how they affect our blood sugar levels. Snacks with a low glycemic index, like most of the Arnott's Snack Right range of fruit-filled slices and pillows, will help fill the hunger need and make you feel more satisfied until the next meal.
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Is snacking good for people of different ages?

Snacking in moderation is good for everyone and should be part of a healthy lifestyle. Snacking is particularly important for specific age groups, including pregnant women and new mums. People who are watching their weight can reduce their overall food intake by selecting snack foods based on grains with a low GI and a healthy fat content.

Children:

• Snacks can help support healthy growth and development and provide the energy required to stay focused at school, or supply extra fuel for sport and play.
• Snacks are especially important for young children's small appetites and stomachs.
• Nutritionists recommend that a third of a child's energy needs should be derived from healthy snacks.
• Active children should be eating at least 4 serves of grain-based carbohydrate foods everyday
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Adolescents and active people:

• Snacks are vital for adolescents and active people, such as athletes, who have high energy needs.
• Foods that release energy slowly, or foods with a low Glycemic Index, can help improve endurance and performance. Eating a snack with a high Glycemic Index immediately after sport or play will help to refuel working muscles.
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New mums:

• New mums need to snack to make sure they keep their energy up and meet their necessary extra daily nutritional requirements.
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Older people:

• Nutritious snacks can play an important role in maintaining good health and helping to reduce the risk of disease.
• Grain-based snacks such as biscuits, crackers and crispbreads provide extra fibre important for good digestive health.