10 Healthy Bedtime Snacks Ideas
Bedtime can be a dangerous eating time for some of us. The desire to go to bed with a full belly can definitely lead to extra pounds over time. The key is having something satisfying and healthy. We have searched the web to bring you suggestions from 10 different websites. Feel free to visit each of the following pages for even more bedtime snack ideas and suggestions!
1. Dark Chocolate-Covered Popcorn
From the article 11 Snacks R.D.s Like To Eat Before Bed, on Self, we have the suggestion of dark chocolate covered popcorn. From that article:
"I have a mean sweet tooth that takes hold after 8pm, a habit I am happy to indulge. In a pinch, a square (or three, just being honest) of dark chocolate fits the bill. My favorite brands are Lindt or Lake Champlain. I'll even melt some in a double boiler with a dash of almond milk, and drizzle that over a batch of lightly salted stovetop popcorn. Shake it all together in a brown paper bag and it's the most delicious popcorn you've ever had. Plus, it provides 3 to 4 grams of dietary fiber (depending on the serving size) while satisfying my chocolate addiction."
- Dianna Sinni, R.D., L.D., wellness dietitian and blogger at Chard in Charge.
2. Edamame
From the article Healthy Late Night Snacks, on Healthline, we have the suggestion of edamame. From that article:
"Edamame, which are unripe, green soybeans, can be purchased fresh or frozen. For a simple, late-night snack, toss fresh or thawed, shelled edamame with a bit of salt and pepper. You don't even need to cook them. A half-cup serving has around 150 calories. Alternatively, you can buy dry-roasted edamame, which is similar to fully mature, roasted soybeans (soy nuts). One-fourth cup has around 130 calories. Edamame is a good source of protein, which includes a notable amount of the amino acid tryptophan."
3. An Apple With Peanut Butter
From the article 20 Healthy Late-Night Snacks That Won't Wreck Your Diet, on Women's Health Mag, we have the suggestion of an apple with peanut butter. From that article:
"Slice up an apple and dip it into one tablespoon of natural peanut butter. The fiber in the apple and the healthy fat in the peanut butter is a combo that will tide you over until wake-up time, says Amy Gorin, R.D.N., owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area."
4. Scrambled Eggs
From the article Bedtime Snacks That Help You Fall Asleep, on Everyday Health, we have the suggestion of good ole scrambled eggs. From that article:
"Snacks generally fall into 2 categories: those that induce sleep and those that give us energy -- 'sleepers' and 'wakers'. The best bedtime snacks contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body make serotonin, a chemical in the brain that aids in the sleep process. A healthy bedtime snack includes complex carbohydrates, some protein and a bit of calcium."
5. A Few Crackers With Cheese
From the article Eating These Snacks Before Bed Will Actually Help You Sleep Better, on Huff Post, we have the suggestion of a few whole wheat crackers with cheese. From that article:
"Snacks generally fall into 2 categories: those that induce sleep and those that give us energy, or 'sleepers' and 'wakers'. The best bedtime snacks contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body make serotonin, a chemical in the brain that aids in the sleep process. A healthy bedtime snack includes complex carbohydrates, some protein and a bit of calcium. We're serious. We know, we know ... thanks to a lot of research on the topic, conventional wisdom says we shouldn't eat before bed, lest we gain weight and stay awake. (Recent research suggests that people who ate their main meal of the day earlier than others lost 25 percent more weight than the later eaters.) But some snacks, such as those rich in carbohydrates, could help you sleep better, according to Alissa Rumsey, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics."
6. Carrot Sticks With Hummus Dip
From the article 5 Healthy And Quick Bedtime Snacks For Weight Loss, on Runtastic, we have the suggestion of carrot sticks with hummus dip. From that article:
"Baby carrots or carrot sticks with two tablespoons of hummus - this is an ideal good night snack. Valuable fatty acids, high-quality protein and fiber leave you feeling full without weighing down your stomach. The dip is easy to make on your own."
7. Whole Grain Toast With Almond Butter
From the article 5 Healthy And Quick Bedtime Snacks For Weight Loss, on P & G Everyday, we have the suggestion of whole-grain toast with almond butter. From that article:
"On top of the stress of a busy day, tomorrow's obligations stack in our head, keeping us awake in bed. You know the feeling. Even if you're dead tired, you can't stop thinking. There is away to get over it, and it may come as a surprise. A midnight snack! We've been warned against snacks to keep & stay fit and healthy, and some of us have heard we shouldn't eat after dinner. But contrary to that belief, a little treat before bed can actually help ensure a full night of rest."
8. Protein Shake
From the article 12 Best Bedtime Foods for Weight Loss, on Eat This, Not That, we have the suggestion of a protein shake. From that article:
"If you're one of those people who prefers to hit the gym in the evening, recovering with a protein shake can help you build muscle while you sleep. A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that downing 40 grams of casein protein before bed increases muscle protein synthesis, and building lean muscle is key to getting rid of fat. Try adding a scoop of casein protein powder to make a protein shake."
9. Vanilla Cake Batter Oatmeal
From the article 10 Quick, Easy and Healthy Bedtime Snack Ideas, on Super Healthy Kids, we have the suggestion of a vanilla cake batter oatmeal. From that article:
"This oatmeal takes minutes to prepare and are full of slow releasing carbohydrates perfect to aid a solid night's sleep!". You can find the recipe instructions here.
10. Crunchy Chickpeas
From the article 7 Bedtime Snacks to Boost Your Metabolism, on Eating Well, we have the suggestion of crunchy chickpeas. From that article:
"If you naturally crave something crunchy after dinner like chips or crackers, which have little to no nutritional value, roasted chickpeas hit the spot. The varieties from Saffron Road come in fun flavors like Salted Caramel and Korean BBQ. They're easy to pop as you watch, and one serving boasts 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. These beans are easily digestible, packed with B vitamins, and can help to fill you up so you don't wake up starving-which can lead to overeating the next day."