Read on to find out what research and dietitians say about late-night snacking.
Do a mental inventory of what you’ve eaten throughout the day and see what you’ve missed.
Most often, it’s going to be fruits, vegetables or dairy.
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If that’s the case, get in that extra fiber and calcium."
This helps keep blood sugar stable instead of crashing, spiking and leading to cravings at night.
Pflugradt adds that boosting protein intake is also important.
Eating more calories than your body needs can lead to weight gain over time.
Along with weight gain, late-night snacks could adversely affect metabolic health.
Still, no one wants to go to bed hungry.
If you had a small dinner or ate dinner early, you might need a pre-bedtime snack.
This combo slows the rise of blood sugar and is digested slowly, keeping you full.
Here are five of the bestand worstlate-night snacks to consider.
5 Best Late-Night Snacks
1.
String Cheese
“A part-skim mozzarella cheese stick is a great late-night snack.
It contains about 100 calories and 7 grams of protein.
By doing so, you get some commonly missed nutrientscalcium and fiber.
Go for the pistachios in the shells to help keep you busy and not go overboard.
Choose either unsalted or lightly salted to cut down on sodium.”
Berries are a great option, too, because they are high in fiber.
Popcorn
If you’ve got a salty, crunchy craving after dinner,reach for the popcorn.
“Just be cautious with what you flavor it withlay off large amounts of butter and salt.
Sprinkle with heart-healthy fats like olive oil or fresh herbs.”
Or give our easy homemademicrowave popcorn recipea try.
“Peanut butter contains healthy fats that raise serotonin levels,” says Young.
“Serotonin is a feel-good mood hormone that may help you relax.”
5 Worst Late-Night Snacks
1.
Traditional pizza crust is also high inrefined carbohydrates, which can impair healthy blood sugar metabolism.
High-Sugar Cereals
If you know, you know.
There’s definitely a nighttime cereal eaters clubbecause what’s not to love about cereal?
“Cereal can be a suitable snack prior to bedtime, but choose high-fiber, lower-sugar options.”
And who eats just 12 chips?
They are mostly refined carbohydrates, which aren’t great for you, especially at bedtime.
Swap the chips for popcorn or whole-grain crackers instead.
Candy
It’s common to crave sweets after dinner.
But sometimes you crave chocolate because you just want some chocolateand that’s OK.
Satisfy your craving more healthily by opting for fruit or dark chocolate over candy.
Candy is just added sugars with little to no nutritional value.
“It can also increase the risk for acid reflux and tummy upset throughout the night.”
Take a look at ourHealthy High-Protein Snacksfor additional late-night snack ideas.
