How many snacks can I eat per day?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal amount of food per day for you depends on quite a few factors, such as your weight. Do you gain weight quickly, or do you find it hard to reach your ideal weight?

But what you want to achieve matters too. Are you looking to lose weight, for example, or do you want enough energy for your workout?

The most important thing when figuring out how many snacks you should eat (or skip) is common sense. Naturally, you'll need fewer snacks sitting at the office all day than when you're heading out for a hike in the mountains. 

Which doesn't mean you shouldn't snack during a workday — quite the opposite. Office work takes energy too, and your focus and energy levels need to stay up. You'll just need smaller amounts.  

Eating small amounts throughout the day helps spread your energy evenly, so you won't reach for big, less balanced meals at lunchtime just because you're starving.

But make sure to choose more nutritious snacks with enough useful nutrients and complex carbohydrates that release their energy slowly.

Don't forget to drink enough water either — an adult needs about 1.5 to 2 litres a day. Hunger is often confused with thirst, so make sure your body stays well hydrated. You'll be less tempted to raid the snack machine during the day and can enjoy your more nutritious snacks between meals in a more controlled way.

Conclusion

How many snacks you should eat per day varies a lot from person to person and depends on several factors. Use your common sense and remember that you need smaller amounts on days when you're less physically active. Always go for more nutritious snacks that truly nourish your body and give you energy throughout the day, so you don't reach for endless coffee and quick sugars just to keep your energy up.

And above all, enjoy in a more balanced way!