Bedtime Foods for Weight Loss
One of the biggest things that will derail a good diet is snacking before bed. Doing so usually consists of salty snacks or sweet desserts like cookies or ice cream, and eating those high-fat, high-calorie foods before bed are awful for your system that’s about to slow down as it prepares for sleep.
But there are ways to enjoy a late-night snack without compromising your health.
Centers Health Care has a list of five foods that you’ll want to put on your late-night menu without having to feel guilty about it.
- Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in sugar—as long as you get the plain variety and not a flavored one. The protein will help you feel full and also help burn fat and repair muscle while you sleep.
- Cherries
Cherries have natural sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth but also are full of antioxidants that cut inflammation and can help you lose weight. Cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that the body produces at night to help regulate your sleep patterns.
- Turkey
We’ve all heard that turkey makes you sleepy, which is why a nap after Thanksgiving dinner is so common. Tryptophan is what’s in turkey that makes you sleepy, and that will help lull you into a restful sleep while the protein goes to work in your body.
- Bananas
Bananas, while being packed with other vitamins and minerals, contains tryptophan as well and also is high in fiber to help you feel full after a healthy snack.
- Peanut Butter
Peanut butter on whole-wheat toast or crackers is a healthy, savory snack before bed. Just make sure it’s natural peanut butter and doesn’t have any additives like extra sugar.
