Sometimes we just need a little pick-me-up before bed. Though that leftover pizza slice looks tempting, plenty of healthy late-night options are available to keep nutrition high and guilt low. Here are 20 foods to safely indulge in after hours.
1. Popcorn
While we wish late-night popcorn meant the butter-coated movie theater variety, we mean something different. To keep it healthy, opt for the butter-free kind lightly seasoned with salt. It might not be the same, but it will be a high-fiber snack with fewer calories than chips.
2. Eggs
If you’re really craving a late-night snack, eggs are a low-calorie source of protein that help keep you full. They’re also versatile, meaning you can scramble a couple or boil them before lightly seasoning them.
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3. Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella
Put together a mini Caprese salad of sorts! All you need is a handful of cherry tomatoes and a bit of mozzarella for a snack full of vitamins and calcium. You also get a nice bit of protein.
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4. Apple and Almond Butter
Jazz up apple slices with a spoonful of almond butter. Apples are filled with water and fiber, making them low-calorie snack options ready to curb hunger and boost health. As if that wasn’t good enough, almond butter has plenty of protein and healthy fats, so you can indulge without guilt.
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5. Almonds
Almonds have always been a healthy go-to. Whether it’s in trail mix (more on that later) or a simple handful on their own, they have fiber, protein, and the ability to keep you fuller for longer. Best of all, no prep is needed.
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6. Kale Chips
You may not like this veggie on its own, but kale chips pack a surprising punch. This crispy snack is low in calories but high in vitamins, and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to ensure you get the exact flavor you want.
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7. Banana and Peanut Butter
Bananas are a healthy late-night snack all on their own, but you can always throw in some peanut butter to kick it up a notch. Together they’re a powerhouse team full of healthy fats and protein that satisfy any sweet tooth.
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8. Crackers and Cheese
One of the best things about crackers and cheese is that it’s a versatile snack with dozens of options. To keep it healthy, stick with whole wheat crackers and low-fat cheese, such as mozzarella, swiss, or cheddar.
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9. Greek Yogurt and Fruit
Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, which keeps you feeling full without a lot of calories, but it’s also a blank canvas for add-ons. Toss in a handful of berries or drizzle some honey for a touch of sweetness—berries also have the added bonus of antioxidants.
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10. Pumpkin Seeds
They don’t look great on Halloween, but pumpkin seeds are a terrific snack full of magnesium and healthy fatty acids. You can also season them in a variety of ways to make them both nutritious and delicious. Seriously, try chili powder or black pepper!
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11. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an all-around healthy dish perfect for breakfast or late-night snacking. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, but also protein to help steer you away from further snacking. Don’t be afraid to add some sweetness, either—fresh fruit or honey drizzle go a long way.
12. Trail Mix
Told you we’d come back to trail mix! How could we resist, knowing just how many options are available? Trail mix often comes with an assortment of nuts and dried fruit that bring the best of both worlds—nutrition and flavor. Just make sure you don’t eat a ton of it before bed!
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13. Edamame
Looking to (literally) pop some fiber into your mouth? Edamame is not only full of it, but also comes with a healthy serving of protein and antioxidants, making it a tasty snack that keeps you full. Not to mention, the salt can help curb your cravings.
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14. Turkey Slices
Turkey is a lean meat loaded with protein, and it’s just as low on fat as it is on calories. There’s no shame in indulging at night, especially with how simple it is to roll them up and snack away. You can also add some veggies for a bit of crunch.
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15. Veggies and Dip
Speaking of vegetables, nothing beats the classic snack veggies and dip. What’s so great about this one is that you can use just about any vegetable! Carrots, broccoli florets, bell peppers, and cucumber slices all pair well with hummus.
16. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a great source of both protein and fiber, which means you stay fuller for longer without a ton of calories. They’re also packed with flavor, making chickpeas one of the better options for anyone in need of late-night spice.
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17. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate boasts a lot of health benefits in addition to its taste. It can decrease your risk of heart disease, comes with plenty of antioxidants, and is actually considered a superfood! Talk about guilt-free snacking.
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18. Pears With Ricotta
Apple slices are a common snack, but you know what doesn’t get the attention it deserves? Pear slices. They’re just as high in fiber and water content, and when paired with ricotta offer a healthy late-night option full of protein.
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19. Mini Smoothie Bowl
You don’t need a full size smoothie to reap all its benefits. A mini version still comes with all kinds of good stuff like leafy greens and fruit—the only difference is you’re indulging in a smaller size!
20. Berries
It’s understandable to avoid the blender at night. If you don’t want to whip up a smoothie bowl, go back to basics and munch on some berries instead. They’re low-calorie, high in fiber, and hit your sweet tooth without any guilt.
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