Dump The Junk
Unhealthy snacking is most people's downfall when it comes to dieting - who hasn't cracked open a family-sized bag of biscuits instead of having a piece of fruit when hunger pangs strike? But don't be fooled into thinking that chowing down on ‘diet friendly' versions of your favourite snacks will be any better for your body than scoffing the real thing.

So-called ‘healthy options' of various foods are usually less nutritious than the standard version, often containing more bad ingredients than the real thing to make up for the taste. So, if you can't bear to give up your junk food habit, read the labels of your naughty indulgences before you stick them in your shopping trolley, choosing alternative products that contain less fat, sugar, salt and calories, so you still get your fix - just a lighter version of it.

Swap
Oreo Cookies for McVitie's Jaffa Cakes

Based on a 100g serving

Bedtime Stories
A steaming hot cup of cocoa may be just the thing you need to send you to sleep, but the ingredients in the so-called ‘diet friendly' versions could give you nightmares.

Many leading brands add extra salt to boost flavour, and include trans fats which are said to increase cholesterol and the possibility of infertility in women. Eek! So stick to the real stuff - but make sure it's just the one cup!

Swap
Cadbury Drinking Chocolate for Green & Black's Organic Hot Chocolate

Based on one teaspoon serving

Full Of Beans
Beans are known to be a great source of antioxidants, packed with vitamin B and minerals and low in cholesterol, and they count as one of our five a day - but when they're drenched in additives and preservatives, they're not as good for you as you may believe!

Be it as a meal on its own or as a snack, baked beans on toast is one of the most popular convenience foods, but also one of the worst for you, with many brands containing over 2g in salt per 200g and high levels of sugar. Make it healthier by having wholemeal bread instead of white, and buy a small can so you won't be tempted to reach for seconds.

Swap
Heinz Mean Beanz for Whole Earth Organic Baked Beans

Based on half a can serving

The Big Breakfast
Eating a nutritious brekkie is the healthiest way to start the day. It's said to improve brain power and have you raring to go in the morning. But whilst most cereals claim to be good for us, the truth is that most of them contain as much sugar as a chocolate bar and as much saturated fat as a portion of cake!

Muesli may sound like a healthy alternative to chocolate-flavoured cereals, but most contain extremely high levels of sugar, whilst plain bran cereals are often packed with salt, so take time to read the nutrition labels next time you're doing your weekly shop.

Swap
Kellogg's Coco Pops for Nestle Shreddies

Based on a 45g serving

Bio Benefits
Containing live bacteria which aids digestion, and high in both protein and calcium, a pot of yoghurt often seems like a healthier choice over a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar, when it comes to snacking - but many flavoured yoghurts are packed with sugar, and those that claim to contain fruit ‘flavour' are packed with additives and preservatives rather than fresh fruit.

Swap
Muller Fruit Corner for Onken Wholegrain Strawberry Biopot

Based on a 100g serving

Soup Sinners
You might think that eating soup is a healthy choice for lunch, but unless you're making it from scratch, forget it! Processed and powdered soups contain potato starches and flavourings as well as salt and sweeteners, and a meagre amount of dried vegetables, protein and fibre.

If you don't have time to make your own batch of soup, opt for fresh versions, which may be similarly calorific, but are less likely to be made with oils and contain a lot more vegetables, making them more nutritious.

Swap
Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup for Covent Garden Asparagus Soup

Based on a 100g serving