Most people snack more than they realise.

Many snacks can be high in sugar, fat, calories, salt and all the things we shouldn’t eat too much of.

There are no hard and fast rules on exactly how many snacks are too many, but many families find that setting a limit on snacks and treats is a great way of keeping a lid on their kids’ snacking.

Here are some ways snack check can help.

1. Keep count

• Many families are surprised when they actually count up how many sweets, crisps and biscuits they get through and how much they are spending on snacks. Keep count and you’re more likely to cut down – which is good for your kids and for your purse too.

2. Three regular meals

• Kids that eat 3 meals a day shouldn’t need lots of snacks. If your kids seem to be raiding the snack cupboard and biscuit barrel several times a day, think about what meals they’re eating and when, and aim for 3 regular meals a day.

3. ‘2 Snax Max’

• To fit in with their 3 meals a day, some families find a good way of limiting snacks is to introduce a snacking limit such as ‘2 Snax Max’ and to offer just one snack in the morning and one in the afternoon.

4. It’s not you, it’s the rule

• Kids, don’t blame Mum! She’s just sticking to the rule – ‘2 Snax Max‘. Mums, don’t feel guilty. If it helps, blame Max!