Debating on having a sweet or salty snack at midnight? Going to bed starving can actually interrupt sleep patterns as well as decrease the quality of sleep.
Furthermore, you can select snacks that include beneficial compounds that aid in sleeping better. However, it is important to select snacks that are easy to digest and limited in sugar and salt to prevent excess weight gain.
What to eat for midnight snack? When deciding on which snacks to consume at midnight, consider foods that contain melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan that can help to contribute healthy sleep hormones.
Healthy snacks to enjoy at midnight include nut trail mix, protein shakes, banana or kiwi, whole-grain cereal with milk, hummus and grain crackers, and popcorn.
Stay away from snacks that contain caffeine, high levels of refined sugars, spicy or fried snacks that may cause heartburn or indigestion, or foods with increased water or sodium content.
Healthy snacks are actually easy to prepare with a few essential kitchen ingredients, while others are ready to eat straight out of the package. From late night to midnight, snacks are important factor to aid in better sleep.
But what are the best foods to eat for a midnight snack? This article answers frequently asked questions about the ideal snacks to have at midnight.
Should I eat if I’m hungry late at night?
Yes, a small, nutrient-rich snack with under 200 calories is fine when you are hungry late at night. Additionally, some snacks contain beneficial compounds that will help to ensure better sleep.
Protein-filled snacks aid with rebuilding muscles while a person is asleep. Late-night snacking could boost muscle growth post workout, which is especially important if you are seeking those major gains.
Choose snacks that are high in protein to prepare the body to rebuild while sleeping. Additionally, some snacks may help in ensuring that the metabolism stays regular.
Making a turkey sandwich and eating it at midnight may be an excellent choice for you. The tryptophan chemicals present in turkey may help in relaxing the body and mind.
Snacking at night can take away the hunger pangs, making a person sleep and be more refreshed in the morning.
What should I eat for my midnight snack?
Consider going for healthy snacks while snacking at midnight. A single serving listed below is easily 200 calories or less, which does not impact too much weight gain.
Healthy snacks that can be eaten at midnight include:
- hummus
- oatmeal
- popcorn
- greek yogurt and fresh fruit
- peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- pumpkin seeds
- bananas and almond butter
- nuts and seeds trail mix
- kiwi
- whole-grain cereal with milk
- cheese and whole-grain crackers
- avocado toast
- guacamole and pita chips
There should be no regrets when enjoying healthy snacks late at night as they help regenerate the body and provide it with essential nutrients.
What flavor goes well for a midnight snack?
When snacking brings comfort, it can be done at any time during the morning, midday, or even at midnight.
The flavors are crucial when choosing the type of snack because it needs to be attractive to your palate. Bold, creative taste profiles like smoky-sweet or fruity-spicy are a great way to enhance your snack combinations.
Here are snack flavors that go well together at midnight:
- dates + nut butter + oats + honey + tart cherries
- fig + honey
- pineapple + yogurt + coconut flakes
- almond milk + turmeric + cinnamon + ginger + black pepper + coconut cream + maple syrup
- sweet potato + almond butter + greek yogurt
Eat for Midnight Snack: Conclusion
If a person is starving at midnight, rather than just being bored or stressed, eating a snack with under 200 calories should take the edge off and not tip the scales towards massive weight gain.
Whole, minimally processed foods like kiwis, berries, kiwi, pistachios, oatmeal, goji berries, eggs, and plain yogurt make it easy, tasty, and healthy midnight snacks.
Try to select healthy snacks that have natural sleep aid hormones such as melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan. However, not all foods contain these elements.
For a midnight snack, grab a handful of nuts and seeds trail mix with dried fruits, protein shake or green smoothie, banana or kiwi, whole-grain cereal with milk, hummus and whole-grain crackers, and popcorn.
When it comes to store-bought or processed snacks, always look for no-caffein, less refined sugar and sodium content, and avoid spicy or fried snacks. These type of snacks cause the opposite results and in addition to weight gain easily.
People who snack at night do not get to experience “food high” as the people who eat earlier in the day. The “high” contributes to the feeling of fullness, regulating the number of calories consumed daily.
The snack foods shared in this guide are low in calories and help you sleep better, so dont be afraid of enjoying a midnight snack once in a while. However, it is not recommended to make might night snacking a daily habit.