10 Healthy snacks ideas for late night cravings

Many people believe that eating before bed leads to weight gain, but that’s not true. You gain weight from consuming too many calories, not from the time you eat. However, the type of snack you choose at night can affect your weight and sleep. Sleeping with a full stomach can impact your sleep.

If you get hungry at night, you should eat a light snack that’s easy to digest and free of refined sugars. Here are 10 healthy and tasty snacks for the evening:

  1. A handful of walnuts
    Walnuts are rich in nutrients and healthy fats. They contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin B, protein, and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. They are an ideal snack for late-night cravings. Just remember, they are high in calories, so stick to a small handful.
  2. Banana with peanut butter
    Bananas contain potassium, a natural muscle relaxant, and tryptophan, which boosts mood and aids sleep. Slice a banana and add peanut butter for protein and healthy fats.
  3. Greek yogurt with almonds and berries
    Greek yogurt with almonds and berries is a delicious and healthy evening snack. You can mix different nuts and fruits for a protein-rich treat. If you love sweet snacks, you’ll enjoy this combo, but remember, nuts can contain lots of calories, so don’t add too many.
  4. Boiled egg 
    A boiled egg is a great source of protein, so eat it at night!
  5. A few olives
    Olives contain vitamin E and antioxidants, making them a healthy evening snack. They have about 45 calories per small bowl (40 grams). Just be mindful that olives in oil have more calories.
  6. Rice cakes with healthy toppings
    Rice cakes are versatile. Top them with cottage cheese and tomatoes, cream cheese and smoked salmon, or peanut butter and banana with cinnamon. These snacks are high in protein and perfect for late-night munching.
  7. Cracker with avocado
    Spread avocado slices on a whole-grain cracker and add a boiled egg on top. Avocados are low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats, which help improve cholesterol levels.
  8. A bowl of fruit
    A bowl of fruit is a great healthy evening snack. It’s full of nutrients and can even help you sleep better. Kiwi and banana, for example, are known to aid sleep. Visit the market for seasonal fruits and try different combinations.
  9. Raw veggies with hummus
    No healthy snack list is complete without raw veggies and hummus. Chickpeas are rich in protein, and raw veggies provide essential nutrients. Make your snack colorful with carrots, cucumbers, radishes, or bell pepper slices.
  10. Oatmeal
    Oatmeal can be a healthy evening snack too. Just adjust the portion size based on your energy needs.

Source: Womens Health