By: Ana Margarita Olar | Vigorbuddy.com
While it is generally advised to eat dinner between 6pm to 7pm, there are other factors to consider when you want to lose weight such as the food you eat and the amount of food that you eat.
So if you can’t resist sneaking up the fridge at midnight, here are some snacks to try:
Low-fat warm milk and honey.
Sipping warm milk is not just for a one-time midnight snack but can also be used as a nutritious bedtime routine if you have trouble sleeping. The effect though is more of psychological rather than physiological. Add honey to your warm milk to boost its sugar content.
This extra sugar, however, is easily digested and stimulates hormones that contribute to the formation of serotonin, which in turn helps you sleep.
Multi-grain pretzel and blended strawberry yogurt drink
Pretzels are nutritious alternative when you are craving for midnight snack-chips. A handful is just 100 calories. And if you are craving for a refreshing cold drink, pair it with the blended strawberry yogurt drink that’s loaded with digestion enhancing probiotics.
Dark Chocolate
Milk chocolates are high in added sugar content so it’s definitely a no-no when you want to shed some weight. But cacao-rich dark chocolates are different when it comes to nutritional value.
Dark chocolates contain antioxidants that have health benefits and have lower calories compared to convenience store chocolates.
Salted carrots and spinach chips
There are times when you just can’t resist opening that bag of chips for a midnight snack. It’s not good for your weight, and it’s not good for your health because of its high sodium and fat content.
Try slated carrots and spinach chips which are not only healthy but also good for weight loss since a serving is just 79 calories.
Strawberry-Banana Ice Cream
Do you dream of having a nice cold and creamy ice cream without adding an inch to your waistline?
Try mashing frozen bananas and strawberries, and put in a blender until a smooth consistency is achieved. Bananas help curb cravings and strawberries are rich in antioxidants.
Cheese Quesadilla
To satisfy your cravings for a sandwich, munch on cheese quesadillas. Place grated low-fat cheese in between high fiber tortillas and crisp both sides in a pan. It just has 3-5 grams of fat per ounce of cheese.
Nutritionist Manuel Villacorta says: “when you overeat before bed, your body is more likely to store those calories as fats.”
It doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself or endure a rumbling stomach at midnight. It means you have to choose your midnight snack and pay attention to the amount of food you’re eating.
Also, wait for at least an hour before going back to sleep to allow proper digestion.