We’re aware of the fact that It’s a little hard to avoid late snacking if you’re all about cheat days like us but you can make late-night snacking totally worth it if you go with these healthy snack options.
While the desire for late-night snacks can’t be easily curbed unless you munch on something, According to research, some snacks can even contain compounds that induce sleep and will make you sleep better while others would just make you feel bloated and find it difficult to snooze.
Late-night snacking is not exactly advisable if you are planning to cut some weight but you can stick to some these healthy options to help keep hunger at bay and at the same time keep your diet plan intact.
Are late-night snacks bad for you?
Late night snack has always been termed to be very bad but psychologically, gaining weight from night snack has more to do with your choice in meal, most go for foods that are high in calories which only increase your calories that is really not needed.
Late-night snacks give you a fast ticket into weight gain and some other health problems.
Depriving yourself of eating during the day will only lead to more cravings and the wee hour which is not healthy at all mostly if you consume fatty foods.
Avoid overly fatty, spicy, sugary, and acidic foods for late-night snacks and if you must eat late-night snacks, you should eat more complex carbs and proteins, like an almond nut, berries, or a cup of greek yogurt.
Without wasting much of your time here are the best nutrient-packed snacks that help keep hunger away and help you have a better sound sleep.
1. Cherries
Cherries are absolutely delicious and in terms of how good they are to the body, then that’s another check for cherries.
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that not only protect the body from harmful bacteria but when consumed at night will help you get a wonderful night’s rest. They are also slow down chronic diseases and ward off cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and obesity.
2. Protein Smoothie
A protein smoothie is recommended because it is filled with sleep-fueled ingredients, that will also keep you active the next morning.
Read this: 7-Day Smoothie Weight Loss Diet Plan That Works
It is packed full of beneficial fruits that enhance body growth and strength. There is no restriction on taking protein smoothie before going to bed as long as you ensure you do not take more than your calory count.
3. Almonds
Almonds are loaded with antioxidants and a massive amount of nutrients as well, they can be eating both when you are hungry and also when you are tired.
Almonds can lower your cholesterol and help control the level of sugar in the system.
You can chew as much as 23 almonds in one night and not gain any fats, do not consume too much to avoid constipation and bloating.
4. Kiwi
You might not consider kiwis in your late-night snack, so we are liable to bring it to your attention, it is healthy and considered top in antioxidant production. Kiwis are full of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, and potassium.
Studies have also shown that kiwi fruits are high in serotonin that promotes sleep, even trusted in being used to cure insomnia.
5. Crackers And Cheese
If you are really hungry at night, we think cheese and crackers will do just fine but keep the portion low if you are watching your weight.
A high chunk of cheese is high in calories and go for the whole-grain crackers, it is less in calories and contains filling fiber. They both have sleep-inducing qualities.
6. Cereal And Milk
Cereals like corn flakes are perfect for you if you need a quick snack fix before bedtime, cereal digests pretty fast and used in controlling your cholesterol level. These grains contain protein, fiber, minerals and essential vitamins such as iron.
7. Apples
Apples are one of the best late-night fruits for any kind of body system as it easily settles and keeps the tummy full for the night, substances in apple even prevent cancer and some of its other benefits include, a good metabolism to burn fat, reduce the risk of diabetes, promotes good gut bacteria and help fight asthma.
8. Greek Yogurt
Yogurt is recommended for every woman regardless of age and the best yogurt is Greek yogurt, it is more nutritious and vital to the whole organs of the body.
It helps to reduce hunger, boost metabolism and build muscle, and an excellent source of calcium which can improve bone health. It helps you sleep fitfully at night too.
9. Eggs
Eggs are perfect for both night snacks and breakfast, eggs are very inexpensive especially for how nutritious and vital they are to the human body.
More than half of the protein in an egg is found in the yolk and vitamin B12 and with a very low amount of fat.
10. Strawberries
Strawberries are just as delicious as the nutrients they provide, apart from serving as a wonderful, healthy late-night snack, strawberries improves immune function, lowers cholesterol, lowers the risk of stroke, lowers the risk of blood pressure, promotes healthy eyesight, offers protection against cancer and many other benefits that makes it worth more than occasional fruit.
11. Nuts
Nuts do not require much efforts to get and you do not have to go to any extreme length to prepare them, they work well as late-night snacks and even munch on them when you are tired, it brings a lot of nutritional benefits to your body.
Nuts consist of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and even healthy fats that will give you a balanced night’s sleep. You can spread peanut butter or almond butter on it to even make it more proteinous.
12. Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich 
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich are amazingly good for any time of the day but mostly perfect for your night craving.
A small sizeable amount of jelly sandwich will do just fine as the excess of it might increase your calorie level. Peanut butter can be enjoyed with some fruits or eating directly.
13. Fresh Veggies
The perfect veggies to go for at that late hour will be the raw veggies, they are packed with nutrients, low in fat and calories, and vegetables are an important source of potassium and many other nutrients to the body.
If you plan to cook them, it is advised not to overcook them as it will lose some of their vital nutrients. Vegetables can be enjoyed with some dips.
14. Popcorn
Popcorn may only seem like a delicious snack for the movie theater and comfy nights at home but it goes beyond that, it contains 100% whole grain and whole grains are okay for your body as they contain antioxidants that are found in the tiny seeds in your popcorn which aids easy digestion.
15. Oatmeal
A warm bowl of oatmeal might just be all you need, it’s soothing to the stomach and would even help you relax and get a fitful night’s rest. Oatmeal should be taken with low-fat milk to get more of its nutrients.
Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, contains ingredients that help keep your cholesterol level in check. You can add some fruits for added flavor and health benefits.
You also take note that if you are on a weight loss plan then we suggest you do not consume any of these late-night snacks that contain too many calories in excess, go for the ones with zero calories.
Night cravings cannot be avoided sometimes, so it is best to decide beforehand and have your snack on stand by, going to bed with the hunger craving will only get you up in the morning with a ravenous stomach and this can cause you to eat more than your calorie count for the day, if you are on a diet plan then you do not want that to happen.
These 15 nutrient-packed snacks will keep hunger away, help you sleep better, and lose weight.
Read 8 healthy food combos for weight loss next and follow us on Pinterest Here for more healthy eating inspiration.
