Snacking on protein and soy-rich foods in the afternoon helps stave off hunger and could therefore help in the battle against obesity, new research has revealed.
While the benefits have been well-documented in adults, researchers have shown the same can now be said of children's diets.
Afternoon snacking, particularly on protein or soy-rich foods, reduces hunger pangs.
It also delays the need to eat while reducing the likelihood of gorging on unhealthy, fatty foods.
Dr Heather Leidy, from the University of Missouri, said: 'Our research showed that eating high-protein snacks in the afternoon helps teenagers improve the quality of their diets as well as control appetite.
'Standard meals tend to go to the wayside for kids this age - particularly from mid-afternoon to late evening - and many of the convenient 'grab and go' snacks are high in fat and sugar.
'When kids eat high-protein snacks in the afternoon, they are less likely to eat unhealthy snacks later in the day, which is particularly important for kids who want to prevent unhealthy weight gain.'
