1 In 3 Women Snack in Secret

One in three women admit snacking in secret, a study has revealed.

Embarrassment about the type of food they eat, as well as the amount of snacks they consume means 33 per cent enjoy a quiet pick-me-up when no-one else is watching.

And two thirds of those even keep their snacks a secret from their own partner and half admit they feel guilty after enjoying a treat.

Almost half also admitted they were embarrassed about how often they snack on something, while 55 per cent hating people thinking they eat too much.

Another 19 per cent simply don't want people to think they are unhealthy in their food choices, according to the poll.

Dr. Cathy Kapica, Adjunct Professor of Nutrition at Tufts University, and a science advisor to the American Pistachio Growers said: "The odd snack here and there isn't a bad thing. In fact snacks can be an important part of a healthy eating style. Choosing snack foods that are nutritious and taste good may help alleviate the sense of guilt, and the need for secrecy around

snacking. Switching to healthy snacks, or cutting down on the amount of treats you enjoy, would be much easier than trying to keep it secret from everyone you are close to. If you are snacking in secret, it probably means you are eating something you think you shouldn't be eating."

The study of 2,000 Brits also revealed that 40 per cent of women hide delicious food or snacks from their partner to stop them eating it, with the back of the drawer or cupboard the most popular place.

Almost one in ten even hide food under their bed.

A spokesperson for American Pistachio Growers said: "We were shocked to hear that people are resorting to hiding food under their bed. Keeping your snacking habit from your partner is not only extreme, but must also be difficult, especially if you live together."

While 31 per cent hide the food away because they don't want others to know they are eating it, almost two thirds admit it's because they want to have it all to themselves.

Forty-six per cent of women have even eaten the nice treats they have bought before they've even got home from the supermarket to make sure no-one else eats it first.

And a sneaky 21 per cent have made a secret trip to the shops to stock up on tasty snacks without their partner knowing.

According to Dr Kapica "if they were eating Snacks like they should be, they wouldn't be worried about doing it in secret".

The study also revealed that the average woman will have two snacks a day, with almost three quarters even owning up to skipping a meal and having a little treat instead.

And half admit they can never go a full day without having at least one snack in between meals. Crisps were the most popular choice of snack followed by chocolate, biscuits and cake.

But 69 per cent of women say they are worried that they snack too often, or too unhealthily, with a staggering 80 per cent trying to cut down or munch on healthier food instead.

Fresh fruit is most likely to be eaten by those trying to be healthy, followed by nuts and crackers.

(GK)