Late-Night Cravings
You've just had dinner, and yet not even an hour later, your cravings hit. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying a post-supper snack, you might want to think twice before you reach for that tub of ice cream. After all, the extra stuff you put into your stomach after an already filling dinner could lead to acid reflux or even sleeping troubles. So, which snacks should you reconsider, and what can you enjoy instead? Here's what the verdict says.
1. Chocolate
A little square of chocolate after dinner could never hurt anyone, right? Well, you might be wrong on that front. While it may seem like the perfect way to end your evening, it's not the best choice before bedtime, since it contains two stimulants—caffeine and theobromine—that could keep you up all night. Keep in mind, too, that chocolate can trigger acid reflux in some people.
2. Spicy Chips
Like spicy stuff? You might want to lay off it after dinner. Spicy seasonings can make heartburn worse in those who are prone, and not only that, but it could also lead to digestive discomfort. You definitely don't want stomach and acid troubles right as you're heading to bed!
https://kaboompics.com/ on Pexels
3. Ice Cream
We know, we know—ice cream is the post-supper snack! And yet, it's best if you don't eat it for dessert. Many varieties contain whopping amounts of sugar and saturated fat, so even a small scoop could be bad. It's even worse if you're sensitive to lactose: you could be left with bloating or gas while you're trying to sleep.
4. Pizza
If you're still hungry after dinner, leftovers like pizza can be pretty tempting. It'll just take one slice, though, to make you realize how bad of an idea it is. Between the cheese, fatty toppings, and tomato sauce, it's not only high in sodium but can also trigger acid reflux. Plus, having one too many could leave you uncomfortably full.
5. Sour Candy
Craving something sweet and tangy? Sour candies might satisfy that urge. If you want nice teeth, though, they're probably not the best choice. All that extra acidity can also lead to other troubles and digestive discomfort—two things you probably don't want before bed.
6. Instant Ramen
If you're really still hungry after dinner, you might skip the leftovers and go straight for the good (read: bad) stuff. Instant ramen might hit the spot, but give it an hour or two and you'll feel the not-so-great effects of it, given that many varieties are high in sodium and calories.
7. Deep-Fried Foods
That tray of chicken nuggets or French fries might be calling your name, but trust us, you don't want to give in. All that grease will only leave you queasy! If you're already feeling satisfied from dinner, don't mess up the balance by eating something that could cause indigestion.
8. Peppermint Candy
Peppermint candy must be okay, you might think; it'll freshen up your breath and isn't particularly heavy. Not so fast, though: mint can actually relax your lower esophageal sphincter, potentially making it easier for your dinner to, ahem, travel back up. Yikes!
9. Sugary Breakfast Cereals
Breakfast for dessert, anyone? We're sorry to say it, but you should probably cut the habit. Those brightly colored or heavily sweetened varieties aren't doing you any favors, given that they contain lots (and lots) of sugar while offering relatively little protein or fiber.
10. Cheesecake
Rich, creamy cheesecake—who could say no? Okay, we admit that cheesecake could make a great dessert, but you should still refrain from eating it shortly before bedtime. All that heavy cream cheese, sugar, and butter will only add to your daily calorie total, and if you're lactose intolerant, good luck.
All that said, we're not saying you have to give up dessert time altogether. It'll certainly help, though, to choose healthier, lighter snacks. If you're still hungry after dinner, here are some delicious alternatives to reach for:
1. Greek Yogurt with Berries
Greek yogurt might not sound like dessert, but hear us out: when you're craving something creamy and sweet, this stuff can actually mimic ice cream or froyo really well, especially when topped with fresh fruit. Plus, even a small bowl provides ample protein, which can help you feel satisfied.
2. Banana with Almond Butter
Got some bananas and nut butter lying around? Combine them into a post-dinner snack! Even a few slices paired with a small spoonful of almond butter will give you a boost of healthy fats and protein, meaning you won't go to bed feeling hungry.
3. Air-Popped Popcorn
Settling in for a movie post-supper? Even though ice cream and spicy chips are off the table, you still have the ultimate weapon: popcorn. Of course, the trick here is to be mindful of how you prepare it; air-popped popcorn, for example, is a great choice that doesn't have all the extra calories or heavy butter. Keep your seasoning light!
4. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Not a fan of bananas? No problem—sub them out for apples! A crisp apple paired with peanut butter offers a satisfying combination of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess. Keep in mind, though, that peanut butter can be pretty calorie-dense, so stick to a tablespoon or two.
5. A Small Bowl of Oatmeal
Who says oatmeal should only be eaten for breakfast? In fact, a small serving of warm oats can make a comforting evening treat, and there's lots of healthy stuff packed in to boot. For one, oats contain soluble fiber, which supports healthy cholesterol levels, and you can easily sweeten them with some fruit and honey.
Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
6. Cottage Cheese with Fruit
Cottage cheese might not sound like dessert, but it pairs surprisingly well with fruit, which can satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, its high protein content will keep you full, and adding some fresh berries or peaches will offer fiber, antioxidants, and plenty of other nutrients that keep you healthy.
Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Pexels
7. A Handful of Unsalted Almonds
Sometimes, you can satisfy your post-dinner cravings with just a small handful of nuts. We say a small handful, because nuts are pretty energy-dense, so you don't need much. Even a few unsalted almonds provide protein, fiber, magnesium, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats!
8. Kiwi Slices
Craving something refreshing after dinner? A couple slices of kiwi might be exactly what you need. More than just curbing your craving, though, this fruit is also loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and natural sweetness, so no need to add sugar here! Eating kiwi before bedtime may even improve your sleep.
9. Chia Seed Pudding
If you know you love dessert or a post-dinner snack, make some chia seed pudding ahead of time so you can reach for one whenever the cravings hit! They don't call these mighty seeds a superfood for no reason, so on top of being delicious, they're also rich in fiber and are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
10. Frozen Banana Bites
Yep, bananas make their second appearance on this list, considering their versatility. For anyone who loves frozen desserts, why not make some banana bites? Simply slice a ripe banana, lay them out on a tray, then freeze until firm. If you need a little boost of flavor or protein, add a thin layer of unsweetened peanut butter!
KEEP ON READING
The 5 Most Consumed Foods in the Entire World
