5 Healthy Snacks to Eat Before Bed

We have all been told that if you’re looking to lose weight, you shouldn’t be eating close to bedtime. On the surface it makes sense because there is a high chance of food being converted directly to fat while you sleep.

This, however, isn’t entirely true.

Sure, if you’re sitting on the couch eating ice cream, chocolate, potato chips, or other junk food before bed, you likely are not going to lose weight and chances are you will actually gain weight.

If you are making wise evening food choices you can actually fuel your body for increased fat burning and tissue repair while you are sleeping.

In order to accomplish this you must choose the proper foods to eat and eat them in the right amounts.

Remember, your metabolism doesn’t just shut down at night.  Although at slower rate than when you are active during the day, your body is continuously burning calories, even when you are sleeping.

The overnight period is also the time that your body goes into deep tissue repair. Choosing the right evening snack will provide your body the proper nutrients that will support this process.

Here are the top 5 healthy snacks to eat before bed:

1.    Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese supplies a great dose of protein to your recovering muscle tissues.  It also contains a unique form of protein known as casein protein, which will digest more slowly in the body.

Slower digestion of cottage cheese helps provide a steady stream of amino acids which helps you wake feeling refreshed.

2.    Salmon

Not a fan of cottage cheese?

Many people simply cannot tolerate the consistency of cottage cheese. If you are one of them, salmon is a great alternative.

Salmon will provide a quality source of protein and ample healthy omega 3 fatty acids.

This is the healthiest form of fat you can eat and will help to boost your immune system.

For a complete meal you can serve it up with a small salad.

3.    Oatmeal With Protein

If you struggle to fall asleep at night, some slow digesting carbohydrates may help.

While you definitely don’t want to overdo your carb intake, a small dose can help release a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin can ease stress and help you sleep.

Oatmeal works perfectly here. To add some protein to this meal, simply stir in your favorite scoop of protein powder.

4.    Low Fat Milk

If you’re someone who can’t tolerate solid food before sleep, a glass of low fat milk will do the trick.

Milk also contains a good dose of protein and will provide some tryptophan.

Tryptophan is the same amino acid found in turkey and is responsible for that post Thanksgiving meal nap. When consumed in the evening it can help you sleep.

5.    Natural Peanut Butter

For another quick and easy late night snack, try some natural peanut butter smeared over celery sticks or half an apple.

Peanut butter is rich in healthy fats, which will sustain hunger all night and will also provide a small dose of protein.

Be sure not to have too much apple with it or the simple sugars may cause you to wake up in the middle of your sleep.

So there you have some smart before bed snacks to consider.  Keep any snack you eat at this time to around 200-250 calories and make sure it contains protein.