Your Guilt-Free Guide To Late-Night Snacking
This if for all you hard-working, busy moms out there whose friends are saying, “Late-night snacks are bad for you!”
I don’t care how many articles you show me, I can’t sleep when I’m hungry.
We’ve put together this list so you make the right choice when it comes to crushing those midnight cravings.
Basically: if yourself digging though the fridge at night, but don’t have time for all the acid reflux and weight gain, read on.
No-Prep
1. Trail Mix
No, not the salty stuff or the one with colorful candies in it. Try to make your own, or buy organic.
The different kinds of nuts in trail mix are high in protein and good fats. They help lower your cholesterol and make you feel fuller, faster.
2. Select Fruits
Not all fruits are created equal.
These goodies contain compounds from the golden trio of good sleep;
melatonin, potassium, and tryptophan (the stuff that makes you tired after a turkey dinner).
- Sour Cherries
- Bananas
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
- Figs
3. Whole Grain Crackers & Hummus
Hummus is packed with complete proteins and whole grain crackers bring complex carbohydrates to the mix.
Both of these foods help you to stay fuller, longer.
Quick-Prep
1. Whole Grain Avocado Toast
This takes a bit more effort, but an avocado contains even more potassium than a banana.
Mash it up, spread it on a slice of whole wheat toast, and enjoy.
This dynamic duo will work hard to keep any interruptions to your sleep at bay (at least from your belly).
2. Banana Oatmeal
Like a long, hot, relaxing shower, oatmeal is pleasant. It’s simple and reassuringly familiar.
Pair it with bananas and you’re sure to find that perfect rest you so desperately need.
3. Warm Honey Vanilla Almond Milk
Not exactly a food, but it definitely hits the spot. Here’s what I do:
Warm up enough almond milk (I often end up sharing) to around 104°F (or 40°C).
Not too hot as this will degrade the raw honey I use to sweeten the milk.
Depending on your taste, stir in some vanilla extract, a bit of honey, and viola! Your midnight potion is ready to take you to dreamland.
Leftovers?
Only if you have sweet potatoes or turkey.
Digging into those leftovers might seem like the quickest way out of this whole hunger mess, but it’s a slippery slope.
The food is already made and you’re tired. If you’re anything like me, chances are you’ll overeat and won’t be able to sleep because your stomach is so full.
Things To Avoid
We all know the basics, nothing too greasy, nothing too spicy.
Definitely no foods with tomato sauce (looking at you leftover eaters).
And if you find yourself reaching for a glass of wine, choose white instead of red. Both red wine and tomato sauce are known for inducing some serious acid reflux (and that means no sleep for you).
The Trip to the Kitchen
You’re tossing an turning, your stomach is rumbling.
You know you know you should grab a snack but it’s dark. You don’t want to disturb your partner and try to sleep through it… bad idea.
Take a portable nightlight, like our beautiful LightBar and find your way without waking up the rest of the household.
