Best Nighttime Snacks

By Author: mohitt martt
Total Articles: 2
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Stay Healthy And Keep Hunger At Bay With The Best Nighttime Snacks

We have all heard the saying that after-dinner eating leads to weight gain. And, to some extent, that is true. When you eat at night you don't have the opportunity to work off the calories you consume. Also, usually that food is in addition to your normal daily allowance. But, it doesn't have to be this way. Choose the best nighttime snacks for healthy eating.

One key to eating healthily at night is to consider it in your daily food plan. Let it be part of the plan, not an afterthought that will add unnecessary calories. And, when you plan for it, keep in mind what is good for snacking and what is not so good.

For some people, having a snack at bedtime is essential. Diabetics, for example, need frequent, planned small meals to keep their blood sugar at an even level without those dangerous fluctuations. Also, persons who take medications at night that must be taken with food should plan for that in their daily plan so as to not be adding calories that they don't need.

A healthy snack should be a mini-meal, ...
... complete with a protein and carbohydrate.The carbohydrate should be a complex one, with a high level of fiber. Pass up on the refined carbohydrates so as to pack more nutritional impact into your eating. Protein helps to release some of the chemicals that induce sleep. Dairy products are another good selection for the same reason.

Some ideas for a good healthy choice that include the essential nutrients are whole grain cereal with milk, a whole grain raisin muffin with milk, and peanut butter on whole grain bread or crackers, again with that glass of milk. Cheese, nuts, tofu, or hummus with whole grain crackers or pita bread are also good choices.

You should avoid any foods with caffeine or alcohol. Also, spicy foods or foods containing a high acid content like citrus fruits or tomatoes should be avoided to prevent heartburn. Also, avoid any greasy or fried foods for that same reason. Chocolate is one exception. Its caffeine and fat content are so small as to not cause a problem for most people.

Unless you are diabetic and have difficulty getting through the night without a blood sugar drop, it is better to eat this small meal some time before you go to bed so as to avoid problems like heartburn and/or acid reflux. Of course, if you are eating along with a required medicine that needs food, you will have to time it with the medicine.

Even if you don't have a health reason for choosing one of the best nighttime snacks, you might still enjoy one. This is especially true if you are underweight or have a problem going for hours without eating. Just use the hints to get good choices and you will be both healthy and satisfied. Remember to plan for it in your eating plan, especially if you are trying to lose or maintain your weight. Also, be sure it fits the nutritional needs you have, or you will be eating senselessly.