What do you do when you feel a grumble in your stomach 2-3 hours after dinner? Do you give in to your temptation to binge on something fatty or sugary? I understand that late-night cravings are hard to resist but making such poor choices can sabotage your efforts to lose weight. So, no need to derail your diet! Here I am going to share some best bedtime snack ideas that will satiate your cravings, low in calories, and provide nutrients too. These are quick and easy to digest, you can enjoy them without feeling guilty.
Best Bedtime Snack Ideas- NON-FAT GREEK YOGURT
Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium. The high protein content of greek yogurt will give you the feeling of being full and you are less likely to accidentally overeat the next morning. The lean protein burns body fat and help you build lean muscle while you snooze. Yogurt keeps your stomach calm and cool, so you are less likely to wake up with heartburn or indigestion. Make sure to choose unsweetened varieties with low sugar content.
If you are craving for something sweet, add on some blueberries in it which are extremely high in nutrients and contain plenty of antioxidants. Together with Greek yogurt they make for a high-protein snack which is low in calories (137 calories in 1 cup) too.
AN APPLE WITH A SPOONFUL OF PEANUT BUTTER
An apple is one of the best bedtime snack ideas. One small apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter is under 150 calories. The peanut butter contains a lot of protein and it gives a delicious flavor combo with apple slices. No doubt, apples are very low in calories but peanut butter has a lot. So, watch your portion sizes of peanut butter while consuming it. Don’t consume more calories than is recommended for a snack. 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter makes a fine snack for filling yourself up before sleeping.
FROZEN BERRIES
Berries are another low-calorie fruit snack option to go for. Frozen berries resemble a sorbet-like treat and natural sugar in this fruit can help satisfy your sweet tooth. Topping them with a little light whipping cream can make it a richer snack. You can also add them to your low fat milk smoothie or yogurt bowl.
Berries are packed with healthy vitamins, antioxidants and are also rich in fiber which increases satiety. Eating 1 cup of berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries) provide you with more than 4 grams of fiber and roughly 50 calories.
BANANA
If you have more of a sweet-tooth, bananas are a fantastic bedtime snack choice. Being a great source of tryptophan, they are considered as one of the best foods to eat before bed. Tryptophan is an amino acid that can make you sleepy. Bananas are full of important nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and fibre.
At about 100 calories each, it’s natural sweetness will help squash any sugar cravings you might have after dinner. Keep unpeeled bananas in a freezer and toss these frozen bananas in the food processor to make a tasty homemade ice cream-like treat.
ALSO READ: Banana Benefits For Health And Beauty
BOILED EGG
Boiled egg is one of the most healthiest bedtime snack you can eat to fight hunger pangs at night. Eggs are incredibly filling as they are an excellent source of protein. They boost good cholesterol as well.
Make sure to eat it with the yolk, as it is the most nutrient-dense part of the egg. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on it to enhance its taste. Eggs are an essential diet foods for weight loss as they are one of the few sources of Vitamin D on Earth. They are low in calories- a medium sized egg contains a little over 70 calories, and provides about 7 grams of protein.
CHICKPEAS CHAAT
These little legumes provide a great punch of fibre and protein, both of which aid weight loss. They are rich in potassium, and vitamin B6 too.
You can make a chaat with chickpeas (boiled channa). Just add some cucumbers, tomatoes, a pinch of sea or rock salt and a squeeze of lime for a quick bedtime snack. It provides not more than 100 calories.
A GLASS OF LOW-FAT MILK
Milk is a complete food, contains proteins, calcium and good fat which is important for fighting cholesterol in the body. It helps in building and repairing muscles. Milk also contains tryptophan which induces a restful sleep. One cup of warm low fat, skim milk is a great bedtime snack that you can have. It provides 102 calories and helps in satiating hunger.
PLAIN POPCORN
Popcorn is again one of the best bedtime snack ideas to stay in shape and is also filling.
Popcorns contribute just 30 calories per bowl and are rich in dietary fiber. So, next time before devouring a bag of chips, munch on popcorn for the similar crunch. It satiates your cravings too. Make sure to keep skip the salt, and avoid that dollop of butter rather sprinkle on some paprika or cinnamon to give your metabolism a boost.
OATMEAL
If you think of oats solely as a breakfast food, you are highly mistaken. They are also an ideal bedtime snack. Add dairy or soy milk to get more protein, calcium and also a source of tryptophan. Oats are low in calorie and packed with fiber.
35g of oats with 150ml skimmed milk contribute 110 calories in total. Add on some toasted almonds, ground cinnamon, a light drizzle of honey for just the right sweetness and unwind with a bowl of warm oatmeal.
UNSALTED ALMONDS
Munch on some almonds, if you’re craving something salty. This late night snack is considered to be a fat-burning superfood. A small handful of natural almonds will quickly tame your appetite as the fiber in it keeps you satisfied. They provide your body with good fats and help in reducing cholesterol. A handful of almonds contributes about 200 calories. Best part is that it doesn’t require any prep work!
BABY CARROTS WITH HUMMUS DIP
Baby carrot sticks with two tablespoons of hummus (50 calories) is an ideal bedtime snack. This will not only keeps you full but also provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants needed to keep you healthy.
So, the next time hunger pangs strike you at an odd hour, don’t be scared. Just choose any of the above healthy bedtime snacks to calm your rumbling tummy and curb your cravings.
So, the next time hunger pangs strike you at an odd hour, don’t be scared. Just choose any of the above healthy bedtime snacks to calm your rumbling tummy and curb your cravings.
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chickpeas would be my first choice, yummy and healthy at the same time…but can be a lot of preparation for the the recipe specially people who’re staying alone .