Who doesn’t have late-night cravings. Those moments when you’re already in bed but your mind suddenly shifts to the refrigerator. You try to fight it, but you discover that you are unable to do so. Also, it is so common to hear most people saying ‘eating late at night is not healthy’.
We ourselves know that eating late at night can lead to extra weight gain, a bloated stomach, and difficulty in sleeping but we just find that craving irresistible. What if, there’s a way to satisfy that craving with the right food? Minus the snack and junk food, here is some food you can eat to get past that late-night cravings.
1.Turkey
It’s not only wonderful and delectable, but it’s also pretty healthful. Turkey has a high protein content. Turkey contains eight grams of protein in as little as 28 grams. It also has a little number of vitamins and selenium, a nutritious component. Selenium is a potent antioxidant that aids in the correct functioning of the thyroid gland. Because the protein tryptophan, which turkey contains in large amounts, is thought to increase exhaustion and consequently sleepiness, turkey is considered one of the greatest foods to eat at night.
2. Fish
Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, is another excellent option. Because they contain a significant amount of Vitamin D, these are considered healthy options. Vitamin D aids in the regulation of calcium levels in the body and is beneficial to the kidneys, parathyroid glands, and skin, among other things.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in fatty fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of good-for-the-brain fatty acids that can act as anti-inflammatory agents. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to improve sleep quality by increasing the quantity of serotonin produced by the nervous system. Fish, on the other hand, would not keep you awake! After eating them, you won’t have to roll from side to side in an attempt to fall asleep. Fish also include beneficial nutritional oils for your body and skin.
3. Bananas
Bananas are not only delicious, but they’re also high in potassium and tryptophan, making them one of the finest foods to consume late at night. As previously said, tryptophan is an important protein that aids in relaxation. Before meals, eat a banana to increase the quality of your sleep. They are also vitamin-rich and high in antioxidants. They also include chemicals that help with bowel movements.
4. Cheese and crackers
Cheese and crackers, which are both sources of carbohydrates and tryptophan, can help the body’s sugar levels balance. When you eat cheese and crackers together, your brain receives extra tryptophan. Cheese contains sugar, which nourishes your brain, and tryptophan, which aids in the creation of melatonin.
This means that when you eat cheese and crackers together, your nervous system produces more serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin increases a person’s sleep quality.
5. Popcorn
Popcorn is a terrific late-night snack when it isn’t covered with sugar, milk, or other fatty ingredients. Popcorn is a low-calorie food with high fiber content. Heart disease, diabetes, and several malignancies are thought to be reduced by eating high-fiber cereals.
Popcorn also includes polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that are thought to help with circulation and overall health.
6. Protein-Pineapple Smoothie
Muscle recovery can be aided by protein-rich meals eaten close to night time. They can also help with age-related muscle loss, especially in persons who exercise regularly.
Blend some pineapple slices into milk for a late-night snack. Milk is high in tryptophan, a protein that the body uses to make melatonin. Pineapples are low in calories and are unlikely to interfere with your body’s normal digestive activities. Pineapples can also help your body produce more serotonin.
7. Warm cereal
Fiber can be found in abundance in cereals. Oats, for example, contain a significant quantity of melatonin, which aids sleep.
A hot bowl of cereal with whole grains, if possible, is a wonderful choice before bed. They don’t have a lot of calories and won’t keep you awake for long.
When you’re wanting a late-night dinner, keep in mind that not all foods are suitable for late-night consumption. Some are approximately correct, while others may cause excessive weight gain, heart disease, digestive problems, and other health problems.
When it comes to choosing the ideal meals and snacks to eat at night, choose meals that are low in calories (under 200 calories) and high in protein. Proteins like tryptophan improve sleep quality. Remember that eating well is an excellent strategy to stay healthy.
Sources: Lifehack