Are you trying to lose weight? But your stubborn stomach won’t let you sleep peacefully until you gobble up some snacks. Thus, the efforts to lose weight go in vain. You make healthy decisions throughout the day: you make a smoothie for breakfast, have a salad for lunch, and make a healthy dinner full of good-for-you vegetables and protein, but then the late-night food cravings come, and they’re hard to resist and you sabotage all your efforts yourself.
If you eat before sleeping your body is most likely to store those calories you gained as fat. So, it is important to choose smart snacks that might satisfy your cravings as well as don’t affect your efforts to lose weight.
11 Midnight Snacks For Effective Weight Loss
1. Popcorn
Popcorn without butter and a pinch of salt and other spices you like. A cup of popcorn is packed with 30 calories and possesses fiber too. If you don’t want to open a bag of chips for crunchy munchies, this might be the best option for you.
2. Dark Chocolate
I know it is surprising that eating chocolate can help in weight loss. You get at least 72 percent cacao to ensure you get plenty of antioxidants and fibre to satiate you. If your midnight cravings compel you to finish an ice cream tub or cake, this is the perfect substitute.
3. Oatmeal
It is easy to make and is a great snack as it sticks to your gut. It is high in protein and fiber and at the same time low in calories. The carbs in oatmeal release hormones in the body that decreases stress and bring peace to mind.
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs
It is a great source of protein. Just sprinkle some salt and pepper and you’ve made a tasty treat. It is easy to make and fulfills its purpose to keep you healthy.
5. Avocado Toast
Toast a whole wheat bread and smash an avocado over it. Sprinkle a little salt or pepper as per your taste and Voila! Here is a mouth-watering healthy dish. Avocados are a great source of potassium, one of the best healthy fats.
6. Mixed Nuts
High in protein, mixed nuts move slowly through your digestive tract, so you’ll feel fuller for longer. They also are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and more. This snack fix is salty and crunchy and does not require much effort.
7. Greek Yogurt
High in protein and low in sugar, it fulfills your craving for something creamy. You can add your own toppings like sliced fruits or honey or cacao nibs, etc.
8. Fruits
Fruit snacks satisfy your sweet tooth and are rich in terms of fiber as well. These are packed with healthy vitamins and antioxidants. Bananas have amino acid tryptophan, which your body uses to manufacture serotonin and melatonin—both important mood and sleep-regulating neurotransmitters. Cherries are good for a restful night.
9. Apple Slices With Peanut Butter
Apple has high polyphenol antioxidants that improve gut health and fiber. Peanut Butter increases good cholesterol. 1 apple with 15 grams of peanut butter is a great snack with under 200 calories.
10. Banana Oatmeal Cookie
Packed with fiber, potassium and antioxidants, this snack is a delectable treat with zero guilt. Mix cacao nibs, rolled oats and banana. Give this a cookie shape and bake it at 375 degrees for 12-15minutes.
11. Carrots/Cucumber With Hummus
Made from chickpea, olive oil and garlic, hummus improves heart health. It goes well along with any vegetables like cucumber, carrot, etc.
You don’t need to starve yourself at night just so that you don’t drain your efforts for weight loss. Next time you have a craving, try to resort to any of these snacks. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Read also – 11 Probiotic Foods To Add To Your Diet For A Healthy Stomach
