I try not to eat after I get into bed but here are some right choices. I just bought some unsalted almonds. Ha ha I found on AOL. I like to read articles about diet. I wish they would've said something about popcorn, my favorite snack. Dana
By Gabrielle Linzer Nov 5th 2009 4:52PM Categories: Healthy Living, Healthy Eating You've been warned against indulging your late-night hunger pangs, but when those midnight munchies strike, you can't help yourself. There's no reason not to, assures registered dietitian Carolyn O'Neil."The right midnight snack can actually be good for you." Let's see which snacks are best. Hydrate Before All Else Before you raid the refrigerator, make sure that hunger is really what's behind your mania to munch. "Dehydration is often mistaken for hunger," says Stella Metsovas, a certified nutritionist in Laguna Beach, Calif. "Make sure to drink at least two cups of water before consuming any snack." Afterwards, you may be able to return to bed completely satisfied without eating a thing. Eat Like a Bunny If you're in the mood for something yummy, celery or carrot sticks dipped in hummus are healthy and high in fiber. These crispy treats will also fill you up quickly due to their high water content. And with only a dab of hummus on each stick, you need not worry about consuming too many calories. Embrace Carbs Insomniacs take note: Starchy carbs can help you drift into a peaceful slumber. Carbs with a high glycemic index, such as steamed rice, a baked potato or whole wheat toasted English muffin, may hasten sleep by quickly raising your blood sugar. Research also suggests that starchy carbs eaten before bedtime may also raise blood levels of tryptophan, an amino acid, and the neurotransmitter serotonin, sleep aids. With your mind and belly at rest, you'll be able to quit tossing and wake up refreshed for the next morning. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth If you've got a penchant for all-things-sweet, the light of the moon may find you reaching into the cookie jar for some sugary relief. Discounting chocolate (because it contains caffeine), O'Neil suggests going for dried fruits, such as prunes. "Their natural sweetness will tame your bedtime sweet tooth, and the fiber, potassium and magnesium will gently aid your digestive health." Go Nuts Did you know that those little unsalted almonds offer huge rewards? This nutty snack is full of magnesium and B vitamins, both which help promote the production of a relaxing neurotransmitter, called serotonin. Not only will you cut stress, but you won't stress over the calories. Twenty-two whole almonds only equals about 100 calories. Stir It Up If you're not too bleary-eyed, whip out the blender and make yourself "a whey-based smoothie of whey protein powder and low-cal almond milk," says Metsovas. This snack will not only quench both your thirst and fill your growling belly, it will provide you with an important dose of protein. It's not exactly toning-while-you-sleep, but it's close. Act Like a Kid Another liquid snack option is a glass of non-fat milk, sans the cookies. "A glass of milk can help you sleep better because of the calcium content -- which relaxes muscles -- and increases the amount of tryptophan in the blood, which helps promote sleepiness," says O'Neil. For a feeling of nostalgia, drink a glass of warm milk, just like your mom and dad gave you before bedtime. Pinch of Protein While you're advised to avoid downing a large fatty steak in the wee hours, foods containing protein are great filler-uppers. Calorie-for-calorie, protein makes a person feel more full than carbohydrates or fats. Plus, researchers report that consuming nearly a third of daily calories as lean protein revs a person's metabolism during sleep. Lean turkey, low-fat cheese or even an egg white omelet can be satisfying. Bad Choice #1: High Fat "Certain foods are really bad choices at midnight," according to O'Neil, pointing to "anything containing sugar, caffeine and a high fat content." It's not the speed or calories, necessarily. It's their ability to cause indigestion. While we're on the topic, stay clear of fried or too-spicy treats. Bad Choice #2: Sugary Treats If you're having issues dozing off, you may be suffering from elevated levels of stress hormones called cortisol. "Your body will naturally crave quick-energy foods, like cookies and cereal," says Metasovas. "Stay away from these foods at all costs." Consuming these turbo snacks will push your levels of cortisol through the roof, which could keep you tossing and turning until sunrise. Bad Choice #3: High Energy Drinks Coffee and energy drinks may be tempting when you have a deadline to meet, but it's best to steer clear of these jitter-bugs when there are healthier options. Surprisingly, a salad of dark greens or strawberries and oranges may give you the energy you need to persevere through the night. Their complex carbs provide a slower, steady release of energy. Plus, they're full of folate, which is good for the brain.
