Have a Twix in the underwear drawer or a pack of popcorn at the back of the cupboard? How about a box of Dairy Milk in wardrobe or tub of Ben and Jerry's in the very back of the freezer? 

 

You're not the only one, a recent survey from American food company Crispy Green found that 66%, that's two out of three mums, have secret stashes of snacks hidden from their children and partners. 

 

The survey asked 2,000 women aged between  21-45 across the country and found nearly three quarters (73 percent) admit to having a quick snack "in secret."

 

So we're not the only ones sneaking out the good biscuits as soon as the kids are in bed! 

 

And while having a quick bite in between meals is nothing to be ashamed of, sadly, seven out of 10 women felt guilty over snacking and a further 42 percent even reporting they were embarrassed about their snacking habits.

 

However, the study also found that women use their snacking time as a form of "me time" and the majority of them don't feel guilty about squirrelling away treats. 

 

 

Speaking to FOX about the findings, dietician Lindsey DeCaro said, “Snacks actually provide a great opportunity to both curb your hunger and get the nutrients you need to be healthy. No guilt involved—just make the time to snack smartly and you’ll make wise choices for your overall health.”

 

Simply being hungry and cravings are top reasons for sneaky snaking. 64% of mum's who answered the survey also said that swapping out "bad" snacks for something on the healthier side helped to ease that snacking guilt. 

 

Rice cakes are still healthy if they're covered in chocolate, right?! 

 

“No one should feel guilty about grabbing a bite between meals to keep them going, but if it’s a matter of looking after your health, it can be as simple as just having the right things on hand,” DeCaro added. 

 

The most popular snacking times mightn't surprise you- 10am, 2pm and 3pm- hitting all those mid-morning and mid-afternoon slumps. 

 

Preferred snacks are the usual suspects. Crisps, sweets and biscuits claimed the top three spots, followed by fruits and veggies in fourth place.

 

With the hectic and busy life of a mum, we definitely deserve that 10 minutes alone with a Creme Egg, so don't go giving up that treasure trove of goodies just yet! 

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