Do you think eating before bedtime packs on the pounds? I’m sure you and your cravings will be happy to know that there are some yummy and healthy bedtime snacks that won’t wreck a whole day of healthy eating. These snacks will help satisfy your cravings without leaving you feeling stuffed, uncomfortable, and lethargic when it’s time to hit the sack. Moreover, they can help you fall asleep faster and get a deep and restful sleep. So, if you are hungry late at night, instead of reaching for high fat snacks or sweets that will only derail your healthy diet, opt for one of these healthy and delightfully delicious bedtime snacks. You won’t regret eating, I promise!
1. Greek yogurt with frozen berries
Greek yogurt with frozen berries is an incredible bedtime snack, which provides the ideal sweet taste that your body is craving. It contains a healthy dose of protein and many vitamins and minerals that help fight off diseases. While fresh fruits are great and healthy, frozen fruits provide that cold, ice cream feel. You can add to your Greek yogurt blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries and enjoy you healthy bedtime snack.
2. Dairy-free soft serve
Dairy-free soft serve is one of my favorite bedtime snacks. It tastes just like tasty ice cream but without all of those unwanted calories, fat, and added sugar. Take one frozen banana, place it in a blender or food processor and blend about 5 minutes (or until a creamy and thick consistency has been reached). You can also add frozen blueberries, strawberries, peanut butter or dark chocolate. Yum!
3. Green smoothie
I love starting my day with green smoothies, but who says that we can’t drink a green smoothie before hitting the sack? When I make a green smoothie late at night, I usually make it simpler than my morning smoothie. I add strawberries, almond milk, bananas, spinach, and a bit of almond butter to my smoothie. This is a healthy snack that you can enjoy any time of the day.
4. Nuts and fruit
Among the healthiest bedtime snacks to reach for is a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit. Several great ideas include 6 walnut halves and an orange, 12 unsalted almonds and apple slices, and a tablespoon of peanut butter and a banana. Nuts and fruit are both rich in fiber that will allow you to fall asleep feeling satisfied but still feel hungry for the breakfast in the morning. What I like the most about this bedtime snack is that it contains healthy fat that helps fall asleep faster and sleep better.
5. Whole-grain cereal with almond milk and berries
Sometimes a small bowl of whole-grain cereal with almond milk and some berries is just what the doctor ordered. I believe cereal is a comfort food and I don’t understand those people who hate it. It’s better to choose a whole-grain cereal because it’s low in sugar and high in fiber. Top your cereal with your favorite berries, and add unsweetened almond milk, of course, if you like it (I know many people don’t like almond milk.) This healthy snack will help satisfy your cravings for just a few hundred calories.
6. Whole-grain crackers with hummus
One of the best ways to curb your craving before going to bed is by having a handful of whole-grain crackers with hummus. These foods are both rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins, and they are healthy and amazingly delicious. Before eating crackers, don’t forget to read the serving size on the box so that you don’t end up eating too many of them.
7. Whole-grain bread with peanut butter
A warm peanut butter sandwich is one of my favorite bedtime snacks. I like to have it with a glass of unsweetened almond milk. Just slice a piece of whole-grain bread in half, then spread one side with peanut butter or any other nut butter you like, put the other half on top. Now place your sandwich into a Panini press for a few minutes and enjoy your healthy bedtime snack!
Sometimes it’s easier to reach for unhealthy food because we are too tired to make something healthy after a long, hard day at work. These bedtime snacks are quick and easy to make and they are very healthy. What are your favorite bedtime snacks? I’d love to hear your ideas!