Late-Night Snacks for Night Craving
It's hard to fall asleep with an empty stomach, and it can be tempting to reach for something quick and tasty late at night to satisfy a craving. There are many healthy snacks to help curb hunger before bed. The key is choosing foods that are low in calories and high in volume to leave you feeling full without pushing you over your daily calorie limit. Here are a few healthy options to have on hand when late-night hunger strikes.
1. Protein-Rich Foods
Evening hunger is common, consider eating protein-rich foods. Like fiber, high-protein foods move slowly in your digestive tract, keeping you feeling full longer. It is important to be mindful of your portion size.
Options: mixed nuts, low-fat cottage cheese, Edamame, high-quality jerk, roasted chickpeas, low-fat Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs.
2. Veggies and Hummus
You need snacks that are high in water and fiber. Vegetables fall into this category. are low in calories, high in fiber it will help you feel full as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Options: A cup of raw carrot sticks, bell peppers, celery, snap peas, broccoli, cucumbers, or zucchini. Use raw veggie sticks to scoop up 1 to 2 tablespoons of hummus or Greek yogurt with garlic, and scallions Dip.
3. Fruit and Nut Butter
Some are low in calories and high in fiber. If you're craving something sweet, the natural sugar in fruit can help satisfy your sweet tooth.
Options: whole, raw fruit such as an apple, berries pear, orange, banana, cherries, or grapes. You could also dice a variety of fruits to make a fruit salad. Also, try dipping sliced fruit in a small amount of low-fat yogurt or nut butter.
4. Oatmeal
A bowl of warm oatmeal can be a filling late-night snack. Oatmeal is a whole-grain food and an excellent source of fiber, with 4 grams per half-cup uncooked. Cook your oats in water, and season them with cinnamon and low-fat milk to keep calories low.
5. Popcorn
If you're in the mood for a crunch, try subbing chips or crackers for healthier snacks with fewer calories. Use garlic powder, black pepper, or other low-calorie seasonings to give your popcorn more flavor if desired.