Snackered: does it sound familiar?

I have recently come across an interesting study commissioned by Popchips which revealed that Britain is a nation of snackered workers.

Apparently "we are a nation of ‘snackered’ workers with the average worker reaching for the snack cupboard at least twice a day to keep them going. ‘snackered’ workers are tucking into a pick-me-up at 11.30am – and again by 3pm, a popchips study recently revealed. over three quarters of brits agree a snack helps to boost energy levels."

I guess this applies not just to the average workers but to busy stay at home parents as well. I am the one reaching for the nuts, biscuits, chocolate at mid-morning and during the 3.30-4pm slurge, when I need an energy boost or feel peckish.

"The survey of 2,000 british office workers, commissioned by snack brand popchips, found that while 72 per cent of office workers start the day full of energy, it rapidly disappears as the day progresses with many grabbing their first snack at 11.30am. by mid-afternoon respondents admitted suffer another energy slump causing them to reach for a second snack at around 2.55pm."

From my office days I remember we had our elevenses, and I was in charge of making coffee and putting the kettle on. I also had access to the departmental kitty and bought biscuits for the coffee mornings. Now those were the days. I miss the camaraderie of the academic environment and the chat.

"The popchips survey revealed that a lack of energy or need for a snack can lead to inappropriate office behaviour. Over a third said they ignore people when faced with an energy slump while twenty eight per cent of workers admitted they are likely to lash out at colleagues or even their boss. Almost half said they are likely to avoid doing work all together. Brits revealed that when tired or hungry they will natter to colleagues or procrastinate on social media and shopping sites rather than complete their work."

"Worse still, one in ten sneaky employees admitted that when previously experiencing an energy slump they have faked an illness so they can go home early."

Now that is truly naughty.

"Dr. Sandra Scott, a spokesman for Popchips, said: “When we lack energy it can be difficult to concentrate. If this happens when you are at work it can affect your performance and potentially land you in trouble with your boss!  Realistically there is not always time to leave your desk to grab a meal. At these times a well-placed snack can be exactly what you need. It can provide a quick boost to your energy levels so you can get back to focussing on your work and not on your rumbling stomach!"

"As for snacking, it’s a minefield when it comes to office etiquette. for the 72 per cent of employees who sit at their desks snacking they run the risk of committing a snacking faux pas. Fifty five per cent of Brits agreed that eating smelly food is the number one bad habit closely followed by noisy eaters (40 per cent).

Brits also admitted to being protective of their food. Seventeen per cent revealed that when offering to share their snack with colleagues they hope no one says yes. A further 20 per cent agreed they eat snacks quickly before anyone realises what they are doing. While six per cent choose to hide and snack privately in the bathroom or toilet"

Now that is quite disgusting, don't you think, to eat in the toilet?! ewww I totally agree on the smelly food issue, not nice in the close environment, and not only in the office, but on the public transport and in the cinema. Nothing worse that the stench of chips with vinegar or curry sauce when you're on the bus. I once had to get off the bus several stops earlier, as I couldn't stand the smell of food, it made me gag.

Talking of snacks, what is your favourite snack? Are you reaching for a biscuit barrel or a chocolate bar? or are you more of a savory snack person?
Last year I reviewed Popchips, and since then I have been buying Popchips regularly. Our favourite flavour is BBQ. They are very moreish and totally addictive.
There are seven great flavours, including original, barbeque, salt & vinegar, sour cream & onion, salt & pepper,thai sweet chilli and Katy’s kettle corn. You can find just the right flavour for you. Katy's kettle corn is the recent addition to the family. I bought a pack recently, but we decided we prefer the BBQ and Thai flavours the most.

Will Bowler, general manager for Popchips added, ‘’thanks to the magic of potato popping, Popchips are the perfect guilt-free healthier snack option. you won’t have to compromise on great taste with Popchips so we can’t blame snackers if they don’t want to share with colleagues!”

top tips for avoiding the snackered slump

1.    be prepared. have snacks ready for when energy slumps hit.

2.    check the small print. looks for snacks that won’t blow your daily calorie intake. at less than 100 calories a pack popchips are an ideal snackered treat!

3.    get moving. keep your snacks away from your desk so you go for a walk to pick them up. a quick break from the computer can do wonders!

4.    snack tasty. keep healthy yummy snacks accessible. if you deny yourself your favourite snacks, you’ll just need up craving for them and over-doing it. try popcorn, a small packet of nuts and raisins, popchips, olives, a handful of almonds or frozen tubes of fromage-frais.

To find more about Popchips and find all the latest news, become a Popchips Facebook fan or follow them on Twitter.

Disclosure: I received a selection of Popchips to mention them on my blog, but as I said we buy them regularly, and I also found this survey amusing.