Sometimes you just need a late night snack. Maybe you had a craving while staying up late while binge watching your latest favorite show or perhaps you just want to graze on something light before hitting the hay.
No matter the reason, it’s best to not go to bed hungry. Curb your appetite with one of these fantastic and healthy nighttime snacks!
1. A Banana
According to Women’s Health, bananas are filled with fiber and relaxing tryptophan and make the perfect bite to eat if the kitchen is already cleaned up. Plus, they’re only 100 calories each.
Source: WomensHealthMag.com
2. Pumpkin Seeds
One serving of pumpkin seeds contains almost 50 percent of your recommended intake of magnesium, according to Livestrong. Magnesium is a relaxant and foods high in magnesium are perfect for helping you unwind at night.
Source: livestrong.com
3. Peanut Butter and Banana Toast
Peanut butter always makes a delicious treat! Caitlin Peterson via IdealFit indicates that spikes of insulin can change circadian rhythms and induce sleep.
Source: IdealFit
4. Hummus and Veggies
Jen McDaniel, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, via Prevention says to “keep your snack under 200 calories and make sure it has some healthy carbs from sources like fruit or yogurt, along with some protein."
Sliced cucumber, carrots or bell pepper and whole-grain pita bread with some hummus make a modestly proportioned snack.
Source: Fotolia
5. Strawberry Banana Yogurt Creams
Craving something sweet? Eight of these delicious strawberry banana yogurt creams via PopSugar will only set you back 145 calories, and they’re sweet enough to replace your candy habit.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
6. Cherries
According to Cooking Light, cherries are another food that naturally contains melatonin which helps control the body’s internal clock. A small bowl of fresh cherries or a glass of tart cherry juice before bed would make another sweet treat.
Source: Fotolia
7. Sweet Potato Chips
SkinnyMs. suggests eating sweet potato chips as a good-for-you late night treat. This low-cal snack is high in vitamins B6, C and E, plus they’re a great alternative when you’re craving potato chips or French fries. You can buy them or make your own at home with this easy recipe.
Source: SkinnyMs.
8. Two Slices of White-Meat Turkey
Turkey is loaded with sleep-inducing tryphtophan and low-fat high-quality protein according to nutritionist Janet Brill, Ph.D., R.D., via Rodale Wellness. Eat two slices of turkey for a little bite before bed.
Source: Fotolia
9. Cottage Cheese
StyleCaster recommends making good food choices even if eating late is inevitable. One great choice: cottage cheese. Mix in raspberries, granola and honey for a light nosh.
Source: Fotolia
