Midnight stomach growls are no fun – especially when you’re trying your hardest to curb your late-night eating habits. Yet, as much as you may want to ignore the gnawing feeling in your belly, hunger can really disrupt your sleeping habits and leave you completely insatiable when you wake up the following morning. Plus, according to nutritionists, severe midnight cravings tend to hit when you’re lacking the nutrients your body needs to perform well. So, it makes sense to satisfy those midnight hunger pangs when they come on.
Yet, it can be challenging to know just what to eat in the middle of the night. Obviously, a bag of potato chips is out of the question – but, what about a glass of milk, or a handful of nuts? Well, wonder no more! Here are 3 dietician-approved suggestions for the healthiest midnight snack possible.
Peanut Butter
Do you know that post-Thanksgiving food coma you usually fall under? It’s a result of tryptophan, an essential amino acid commonly found in turkey that converts to serotonin and melatonin in the body, thus, making you happy and sleepy all at the same time. When you don’t have Thanksgiving turkey on hand, replicate the effects of a big holiday meal with a spoonful of peanut butter, which just so happens to have the same amino acid and can help lull you to sleep.
Dairy
As a child, your parents might have given you a warm glass of milk when you couldn’t get to sleep. Well, the same can be done for your adult self the next time you’re tossing and turning. According to the University of Pennsylvania, calcium (which is found in milk and other dairy products) is associated with less difficulty falling asleep and an increase in deep, restorative sleep. If you need more than a simple glass of milk, try low-sugar Greek yogurt, which gives you an extra boost of protein.
Hummus and Whole Wheat Bread
Did you know that hummus and wheat bread is actually a very healthful midnight snack? That’s because protein and carbohydrates are light enough that your body doesn’t have to work hard to digest them – resulting in even more tossing and turning – yet they are still filling, so you can enjoy them in the middle of the night without worry that they won’t be enough to satisfy you. So, reach for your favorite Mediterranean snack, or something similar, the next time you’re in need of a delicious midnight snack.
Looking for must-know information about health, finances, and family life? End your search with this blog, delivered to you by the team at Oxford at Lake View Apartments in Corinth, Texas.