Let’s face it, sometimes there’s just a need for a midnight snack. You know it, I know it, we all know it.
As much as you might like to behave, there are just times where your tummy is grumbling and you need to head to the kitchen. But what should you be eating in the middle of the night? Are some foods better than others?
According to the Huffington Post, there ARE foods that are much better to be consuming for your midnight snacks.
From foods that are healthy for you, to foods that will help you sleep a little better, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to this.
But there are some other things to consider before you start snacking too.
“Are you eating enough food (obtaining adequate calories/energy for your daily routine)? Are you eating too early and not eating enough before bedtime because of a fitness routine later in the day?” registered dietitian Barbara Ruhs told HuffPost.com. “Try adding an extra snack before bed or planning more mini-meals throughout the day to ensure you’re reaching your daily requirements.”
But in the meantime, there are some of the best foods for your midnight snack that might be better than others. Let’s take a look.
Sliced turkey
The protein fills you up, and the tryptophan helps you sleep.
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Cheese-and-crackers
Cheese has tryptophan too, plus it’s easy. Ideally, you should choose a cracker that’s high in fiber to keep your blood sugar from spiking.
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Veggies and hummus
It’s a low-calorie option that’s also quick and easy.
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Cherries and pistachios
The fat and protein in pistachios will fill you up. And studies have found cherries can help you sleep because they’re packed with melatonin.
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Bananas and peanut butter
Peanut butter is another food with tryptophan. And the banana has potassium to relax your muscles and help you sleep better.
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Cereal
But it has to be low-sugar. And eat it with milk, not dry. The calcium in milk helps your body produce more melatonin.
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Protein bars or snack bars
Opt for ones with nuts. And stay away from chocolate or coffee-flavored bars. The caffeine in those might keep you up.
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