If you find yourself up late at night and your stomach is grumbling, know that you can reach for something healthy and nutritious to satisfy your hunger! There are plenty of yummy treats that will not only fill you up but also provide some much-needed nutrients. Read on to discover eight great late-night snacks that will do just that!
1. Night Snacking Done Right: 8 Healthy Late-Night Eats
Healthy late-night snacks can still be delicious! Night snacking doesn’t have to sabotage all your hard work with healthier eating choices during the day. With a bit of creativity, you can make tasty, nutritious snacks that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Here are eight delicious nighttime snack ideas:
- Yogurt with Fruit & Nuts: A bowl of Greek yogurt topped with healthy nuts and fresh fruit is an excellent source of protein and minerals to keep you going through the night.
- Smoothie Bowl: You can whip up a nutritious smoothie bowl in a matter of minutes. Simply blend some frozen fruit and yogurt, pour into a bowl, and top with granola, nuts, and chia or flax seeds for a midnight pick-me-up.
- Frozen Grapes: For a sweet snack, opt for frozen grapes. Simply wash a bunch of grapes, place on a baking pan, and freeze for a few hours. They make a crunchy, sweet late-night treat!
- Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a great way to satisfy cravings without overindulging. Add your favorite seasonings to keep it interesting.
- Apple & Peanut Butter: An apple sliced into thin wedges and topped with a tablespoon of peanut butter provides a snack to satisfy hunger and energize you through the night.
- Chocolate Banana-Berry Bites: Craving something sweet? Whip up a few of these quick and easy no-cook treats. Simply mash some banana, add a few fresh berries and a bit of cocoa powder, roll into balls and freeze.
- Hard Boiled Egg & Avocado Toast: Hard boiled eggs and avocado on a piece of whole grain toast make for a delicious, balanced snack.
- Veggie Sticks & Hummus: Cut up fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers and dip in a dollop of hummus for a satisfying, healthful snack.
There’s no need to feel guilty about late night snacking! With these flavorful and satisfying nighttime eats, you won’t have to. So go ahead and enjoy a healthy, delicious snack before bed.
2. Fueling Your Body for a Restful Sleep with Nutritious Late-Night Snacks
Healthy Bedtime Munchies
Though late-night snacking isn’t usually recommended, it can be beneficial if you choose the right snacks that promote good sleep. Reach for these feel-good snacks to give your body the nutrients it needs while reaping the rewards of a good sleep.
- Greek Yogurt – Rich in calcium and protein to help boost serotonin levels and settle you into sleep quickly.
- Fruits – Fruits like cherries and kiwi are chock-full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, both essential for aiding sleeping through the night.
- Seeds – Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are full of magnesium, an essential mineral for a zen sleep.
Tasty Treats that Help
It’s possible to indulge in a sweet snack while still being nourishing. These treats can be used to satisfy your cravings while also helping you to rest peacefully during the night.
- Mixed Nuts – Magnesium and B-vitamins in the nuts help relaxation, while zinc may help induce sleepiness.
- Dark Chocolate – The antioxidants and serotonin in dark chocolate will give you a feeling of calm and contentment and are a perfect way to quell a sweet craving.
- Freshly Baked Goods – Have yourself a freshly baked cookie using quality ingredients like oats, nut butter, and honey to satisfy both you and your sleepy body.
3. Late-Night Cravings: Satisfying and Nutritious Snack Ideas
Late night cravings can be the bane of your healthy eating plan. But if you plan ahead and think strategically, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some nutrient-packed snack ideas to keep on hand for those late night hunger pangs:
- Fresh fruit and nut butter: Combine fresh fruit with a tablespoon of nut butter for a quick and delicious snack. The protein and fat from nut butter helps fill you up, while the fruit provides essential nutrients and vitamins.
- Smoothies: Whip up a healthy smoothie before bed with a dairy free milk, veggies and fruits. This is an easy and delicious way to get some extra vitamins and minerals.
- Yogurt parfait: Create a yogurt parfait with plain yogurt, sliced fruit and nuts or granola. It can be as simple or as creative as you want to make it.
- Frozen grapes: Freeze a small bunch of grapes and enjoy the sweetness. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet to satisfy the munchies.
A few things to keep in mind while snacking late at night is to avoid sugary, processed and junk food. If it’s something that is high in calories and low in nutrients, it’s best to avoid it. Research has also shown that eating late at night can also disrupt your metabolism and can lead to weight gain. So fueling your body with smart snacks is the best way to go!
4. Making Late-Night Snacking a Healthy Habit
Late-night snacking doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. You can make it a healthy habit instead! Here are some tips to help you out:
- Choose more nutritious snacks: Reach for trail mix with nuts, dried fruits and whole-grain cereal, apples and nut butter, or a piece of string cheese.
- Reduce portion sizes: Meal-appropriate portions could already be enough to quell your late-night hunger. Consider snacking on smaller portions of more indulgent treats, such as half of your favorite candy bar instead of the whole thing.
- Drink more water: Drink a big glass of water instead of reaching for snacks to fill your stomach. Some people can mistake thirst for hunger.
- Create a nighttime ritual: Keep yourself from raiding the kitchen by creating a night-time ritual before sleep that has nothing to do with food – like reading a book, or indulging in a face mask.
Avoid mindless snacking: Late-night snacking often becomes an unconscious habit, so it’s important to be mindful of what you’re eating. Always be mindful of how much you’re consuming and make sure you’re snacking because you’re hungry and not just out of boredom.
With these 8 healthy and nutritious late-night snacks, you can finally enjoy a tasty treat at night without worrying about your health. Enjoy your nutritious late-night snacks!