Even though we try our best efforts to get a good night’s sleep (read: going to bed at 10 p.m. sharp, taking an Instagram break, and keeping our phone away from our bedside table), there’s one crucial component that keeps us tossing and turning at night: we’re hungry and crave for midnight snacks.
We’ve all been there: feeling grumbly in the midnight hour, glancing both ways before dashing to the kitchen to get a little something.
Late-night eating is nothing new, and it’s not always a negative thing. Indeed, it can be a beneficial element of your diet.
Some snacks can assist improve your sleep, whereas going to bed hungry can have a detrimental impact on both your sleep quality and your energy levels the following day.
However, what we eat matters.
So, rather than surrendering ourselves to raiding the kitchen for any leftovers we could find and eating them by the refrigerator light, we went deep and contacted the experts. Here are the top 6 healthy midnight snacks that we’d eat any time of day (or night).
1. Popcorn:
Popcorn is an extremely nutritious snack when air-popped and mildly seasoned. This is due to the fact that it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain tumors, and other health concerns.
Because popcorn is a complex carb, it contains serotonin, a hormone that aids in relaxation. It’s a terrific late-night snack because you can eat a lot of it (3 cups popped) for only 100 calories if you avoid dousing it in butter. It’s ideal for an evening snack that will last more than a few seconds.
Furthermore, the fiber in it will help you fulfill your hunger and avoid cravings.
2. Pistachios:
Pistachios can be one of the most satisfying midnight snacks. They’re high in protein and will keep you satisfied. Furthermore, pistachios are strong in melatonin, which can help you sleep better.
Melatonin is found in most nuts; however, pistachios have a higher concentration. As a result, they are a superior option for nutritious midnight snacks.
3. Cottage Cheese:
Cottage cheese is an often-overlooked source of protein and other minerals. It is a wonderful base for other delicious and healthful foods.
To make it a pleasant, satisfying bedtime snack, add walnuts, sliced apples, and possibly a drop of honey. However, it is best to choose a low sodium type to avoid consuming too much salt, which might raise blood pressure.
4. Greek Yogurt:
Greek yogurt is a protein-rich dairy product with a wide range of culinary purposes. It’s high in a variety of nutrients and may possibly have some health advantages.
Yogurt contains calcium, which helps your brain use tryptophan and melatonin, and one University of Pennsylvania sleep research suggests that it may help you sleep longer.
Instead of sugary sweeteners (which can potentially cause blood sugar fluctuations), top your bowl with fresh fruit and crunchy chia seeds. (If you have heartburn or indigestion, which fatty foods can induce, choose a low-fat alternative.)
However, it is critical to select the proper sort of Greek yogurt, as many contain additives such as added sugar.
5. Oatmeals:
If you love the feeling of going to bed with a full belly without being too full, try a small bowl of oats.
The stick-to-your-ribs power of its high-fiber content coupled with the relaxing and satisfying effect of the carbohydrates makes it a perfect evening snack. To kick up the flavor, add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Banana:
If you’re craving something sweet with a smooth, creamy texture in the evening, there’s no better bedtime snack than a banana.
Bananas contain tryptophan, magnesium, and potassium, which might help your muscles relax and minimize nighttime sleep difficulties.
It’s also a natural source of melatonin and a perfect snack for when you’re feeling lethargic because it doesn’t take much effort to make. In addition, the potassium in bananas may keep you from waking up in the middle of the night with sore, cramping muscles after a hard workout.
