We’ve all been there. Hunger pangs striking at night, so you scavenge your kitchen and fridge for food. With many options to choose from (if you have a well-stocked fridge or pantry) that will definitely add to your calories count, you might as well eat something healthier to lessen the guilt. Here are some snacks that’ll calm the fury of your growling stomach.
1) Cereal
Although usually consumed for breakfast, cereal also makes a smart midnight snack that may help you sleep better when consumed with some milk. Technically any timing after midnight is denoted as AM on our clocks so you are basically just having breakfast real early. If possible, opt for corn flakes that are lower in sugar and is a great source of fiber that will aid digestion.
2) Yogurt
Another item you can consider for a late-night snack is yogurt. Nuts and yogurt, for example, are high in protein and can help you feel fuller longer, reducing your urge for that candy bar or a slice of pizza. Yogurt also has the extra benefit of being high in calcium, which is beneficial not just to your bones but also to your sleep quality.
3) Banana
Bananas are high in magnesium, tryptophan, vitamin B6, carbohydrates, and potassium, all of which have been linked to better sleep. Bananas can also help you lose weight, reduce swelling, and boost the formation of white blood cells. One banana can be quite filling depending on its size and are high in antioxidants, which can help to protect you from cancer-causing toxins. What a great snack isn’t it?
4) Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas pass the late-night health test with flying colours, not just because they’re a wonderful source of protein, carbs, and fiber, but also because they’re high in Vitamin B6 and the amino acid tryptophan. Why is this useful in the middle of the night? Vitamin B6 fundamentally aids in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin, and when melatonin levels rise in the evening, it can aid in putting us into a sleep-promoting state. This is a snack that is great for individuals who want to munch on something and enhance their sleep too.
5) Popcorn
After dinner, grab some popcorn if you’re yearning for something salty and crunchy. Popcorn is a high-fiber snack that will keep you full until the next meal. In a microwave, pop some corn kernels in a bag before sprinkling some salt on top instead of the usual butter and honey. You can eat as much as you want without gaining too much weight.
Here are some snack alternatives to munch on while watching a late night movie or just to keep those hunger pangs at bay. Of course, if you want to eat healthy, everything should be eaten in moderation or better yet sleep early so you don’t have the urge to eat more food.
This article was brought to you by Raj who is currently fleeing the battle~
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