Sometimes, despite having eaten a big dinner, you’re still hungry when you’re about to go to bed. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. We bet that you’ve heard the rumor that eating late could cause you to gain weight, but as it turns out, this might not actually be true. The good news is that it’s usually more about what you are eating and how much, rather than what time you’re eating. If you’re consuming the right foods and giving yourself a buffer before you hop into bed, eating late at night isn’t going to make a huge difference. Below you’ll find seven foods that are perfect to eat as a late-night snack.
1. Whole Grains
The serotonin present in whole grains will help the body to relax, while the fiber will keep you full right up until your next meal. You should opt for a slice or two of whole grain bread (with sliced fruit and natural peanut butter), or whole grain cereal with milk.
2. Bananas
On toast with peanut butter (the protein will help keep you full), or on their own, bananas are a fantastic healthy snack if you get hungry at night. Furthermore, bananas are also a great source of potassium and magnesium, which are muscle-relaxants that’ll help you fall asleep.
3. Cottage Cheese
This cheese contains casein, a slow releasing protein that gradually releases amino acids while you sleep and helps repair muscles.
4. Turkey
Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that makes you tired, which explains why you always want to take a nap straight after a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Eat a couple of slices of turkey on some rice crackers for a great way to ease your hunger before bedtime.
5. Cheese
If you prefer a vegetarian option, than cheese also contains tryptophan. So, if you feel like you need a little help at night to fall asleep, grab yourself a Babybel or a serving of string cheese.
6. An Apple and Peanut Butter
Apart from being extremely delicious, the fiber and protein present in this snack will fill you up without leaving you feeling too full.
7. Cherries
If you have a sweet-tooth, then cherries are the perfect choice for you. They contain melatonin, which will help to regulate your sleeping patterns. Furthermore, they’re also a very good source of antioxidants and can help repair any damage to your body that has been caused by free radicals.
