Image Source: FreeImages
Are you having trouble making it through the final few hours of your day without feeling ravenous? If you’re regularly finding yourself with growling stomach at night, you’re not alone. A third of adults report they feel hungry in the evening, and almost half say that happens two or more times a week. Eating healthy snacks and staying hydrated is an easy way to prevent blood sugar lows, which can leave you feeling drained and lead to overeating or unhealthy snacking later on. Read on for 5 healthy snacks to eat at night when hunger strikes!
Read Also:
- What is Intuitive Eating? (A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners)
- 5 Foods That Will Keep Your Skin and Joints Healthy
- The Beginner’s Guide to Yoga: How To Get Started (No Experience Required)
Greek yogurt and fruit
A yogurt bowl is a great option for those who have trouble sleeping due to feeling hungry. Greek yogurt is packed with amino acids, which help calm your nervous system and promote sleep. Some of the best fruits to pair with yogurt are cherries, as they contain melatonin, which can help induce sleep; figs, which are a good source of tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin that promotes relaxation; and blueberries, which are high in iron, a mineral that is critical to making melatonin.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, which can promote relaxation and help you fall asleep. Nuts are also high in protein and fiber, which can help reduce sugar cravings and prevent overeating. Make a trail mix with a variety of nuts and seeds and eat it with a piece of fruit for a filling and wholesome snack.
Vegetable soup
Not only is a bowl of vegetable soup a perfect light meal to eat at night, but it can also help promote sleep. Vegetables are rich in tryptophan and magnesium, both of which are known to help induce sleep. Adding a bit of protein like beans or legumes will help make the soup even more sleep-inducing.
Dark chocolate
For anyone who does not like the idea of a bowl of yogurt or a piece of fruit before bed, maybe a square of dark chocolate will help keep them full and happy. While it is not a health food, a study found that eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day could lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes are excellent sources of protein, fiber, and iron, which can help promote healthy sleep. They are also rich in B vitamins, which can promote relaxation and help prevent insomnia. Beans are a versatile food that can be used in everything from dips and salads to soups and stews. Mixing a can of black beans with a serving of brown rice is a delicious and filling way to incorporate beans into your diet.
Conclusion
Many people feel hungry in the evening due to a drop in blood sugar throughout the day. Eating a healthy snack, like one of the options in this article, can help prevent this drop in blood sugar and prevent you from overeating later on. If you’re having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, try incorporating one of these healthy snacks into your evening routine. If you find yourself feeling ravenous in the evening, these are excellent options to help keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.
