When it comes to snacking within an hour or two of your bedtime, there’s a few things to consider: First, research does link late-night calories to the potential for weight gain. One study found that eating right before turning in can make your snooze time more restless, and that sets you up for fatigue and bingeing the next day. Also, late-night noshing tends to be associated with stress eating, which leads to overindulging in high-fat comfort calories.
1. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is perfect to eat before bed due it’s high protein content. Go for low-sugar variety and you’ll have even more benefits.
2. STRING CHEESE
Sure, it’s processed, but hear us out: One serving of this snack contains filling protein and fat, so you feel satiated—and it only packs about 80 calories. Cheese also packs the amino acid tryptophan, which may help make you drowsy, says Brill.
3. Banana
Bananas are a very rich source of potassium which is great as a muscle relaxant. They don’t have a crazy amount of calories and also contain natural sleep aids.
4. A BOWL OF CEREAL
Put down the Count Chocula—all that sugar might leave you too wired to sleep (and also give you a stomach ache). We’re talking about the whole-grain, complex carb kind (think oatmeal or corn or bran flakes) that’s easy to digest and gives you 200 calories or less per bowl, says Brill. Pour in a little milk for extra tryptophan and protein.
5. Peanut on whole grain toast
An ideal snack before you hit the snack. Why is that? Because not only it is whole grain bread filling but also packed full of protein and an amino acid that serves as a sleep aid.
