Healthy Midnight Snacks You Can Feel Good About

You know we’re not supposed to, but you’re still awake, and you are starving! Your hangry levels are peaking and you go the kitchen to look for those sweet (or savory) midnight snacks to finally put you down.

Leftover pizza? That’s a start.

Double-Chunk, Soft & Chewy, Chocolate Chip Cookies? Desperation knows no limits.

Individual slices of American Cheese? We’ve all been there.

Midnight snacks—the guilty pleasures we fantasize about then wish they never happened—however, they can become a real problem.  Studies suggest that not only does late-night eating add unnecessary calories to your daily intake, there is evidence that suggests habitually eating during the hours we are normally asleep affects our circadian rhythm, making us more sluggish the next day. While we would all love to be able to just give ourselves a caloric curfew and fall asleep like peaceful, well-nourished puppies, the reality is that some nights we do just need a little something extra to get our stomach off our minds.

For those restless nights here are some simple, healthier food suggestions to help stave of those hunger pains and get you back to sleep.

Healthy Midnight Snacks

Whole-Grain Cereal

Emphasis on “Whole-Grain” here, guys (I’m looking at you, Lucky Charms!). Complex carbohydrates, like those found in bran flakes or oatmeal, will give your body a filling snack for less than 200 calories a serving. Throw in some milk if you’re feeling extra saucy and want some extra protein.

Turkey & Cheese Roll Up

Ditch those high-calorie bread slices and go straight to the source of sleep-inducing goodness. Anyone who’s ever eaten a Thanksgiving dinner knows the deal with turkey, but did you know that cheese and other dairy products high in protein send messages to your brain that you are full quicker than other foods? Oh you did? Well… good for you.

Peanut Butter and Banana

Gonna be honest with you, just eating a banana is a great way to get your body to make serotonin (a relaxing neurotransmitter), but have you ever eaten peanut butter and banana at the same time? It is a delight, and a filling, healthy one. Unless you go the Elvis route and put it on two slices of white bread and fry it… R.I.P. King.

Nonfat Greek Yogurt

A food with the word “yogurt” in it? That’s exciting! While this isn’t TCBY’s White Chocolate Mousse with gummy bears and sprinkles we’re talking about, Greek yogurt is an excellent low-calorie snack that will help convince your body you are full and will nearly come close to convincing your mind that you’re having an indulgent dessert. Oh, sweet delusion!

Now, on those late nights when you’re not hungry but you still find yourself having trouble falling asleep, then maybe it’s time to rethink your sleep environment. Try our Sleep Personality Quiz and feast upon a new mattress, pillow, and protector that is just right for you.