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CRAVINGS CAN STRIKE AT ANY TIME – ESPECIALLY BETWEEN MEALS. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HAVE YOU CAN TUCK IN WITHOUT PILING ON THE POUNDS.

By Laura Bond

Sarah Harding is often spotted snacking, but if you need a quick fix, but want to watch your waistline and stay healthy, then these saintly foods could be the answer.

1. Freeze fresh fruit such as bananas, then take them out when you’re peckish, blend them with ice, milk and some cocoa powder to make a delicious smoothie.

2. Nuts can easily be stashed in your desk and are a quick and healthy way to keep hunger at bay. Walnuts and almonds are full of omega-3s and monosaturated fats, which help reduce cholesterol levels. Salted peanuts should be avoided at all costs - they're no  good when it comes to losing weight.

3. Swap a packet of crisps for freshly made popcorn. It takes just a couple of minutes to prepare and is not only low in calories and full of fibre, protein and B vitamins, it’s also extremely filling too.

4. Try having ricotta cheese on either rye bread or a rice cake topped  off with fresh strawberries. If you prefer something less sweet, use goat's cheese with olives.

5. The edamame bean - a fave of Victoria Beckham's - is the only vegetable that contains all nine essential amino acids, as well as the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat. They're easy to cook too, only requiring a little bit of water and for taste, a sprinkle of sea salt or a squeeze of lemon.

6. Sugar-free Aqua Drops are a great alternative for curbing your sweet craving. They taste delicious and they won't rot your teeth.

7. Combine dried pineapple pieces with pistachio nuts for a simple antioxidants-packed snack. You could also try raisins and peanuts, apricots and almonds or cherries and hazelnuts.

8. Low-fat dairy products, such as yoghurts, are a sweet and tasty way to snack, watch the calories and satisfy your hunger. Mix in some honey or a little bit of granola for a sweeter kick.

9. If the vending machine is calling you, then go for a snack pack of Jaffa Cakes, as each one contains just 1g of fat. Or how about a packet of Maltesers? They really are the lighter way to enjoy chocolate!

10. Wholewheat pitta bread with houmous is a great way to stock up on protein. It's also high in fibre and essential oils, so it’ll keep the hunger pangs away until dinner time.

Photography: Alamy, Landmark Media