Could the key to losing weight be lots of snacks instead of meals?

FORGET the traditional three square meals a day – frequent snacking is now claimed to be the best way to lose weight.

The idea of breakfast, lunch and dinner is out of date, according to the head of the National Obesity Forum. Instead, people who want to stay slim are advised to eat smaller portions more often.

Professor David Haslam’s comments are the latest in the long-running debate over whether it is better to eat ‘little and often’ or to consume three proper meals a day.

The former GP claims healthy snacks are ideal for busy professionals.

Professor Haslam, who is also chairman of England’s health advisory body NICE, said: ‘The concept of three square meals a day is outdated and the same benefits can be achieved by having healthy snacks throughout the day.

‘Feeding your body little and often with vegetable-based snacks provides a continuous supply of nutrients to your body.’

But the American Heart Association says skipping breakfast increases the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes, and warns people to stick to main meals and avoid snacking.

Professor Mike Lean, professor of nutrition at Glasgow University, said the idea of snacking should not be encouraged.

He added: ‘There is very little doubt that the biggest change in people’s behaviours to generate obesity over the last 40 years has been the decline of the family meal and commercial promotion of snacking on manufactured foods.’

But Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: ‘Eating nutritious food little and often is just as good as three meals a day, and sometimes better.

‘Sitting down for a meal often adds to overeating, with people eating large portion sizes which can blow their calorie count for the day.’