Chow Down on (Dark) Chocolate
Sometimes we just need a little pick-me-up before bed, but for those of us watching our waistlines, we don't always know the safest snack to indulge in. Sure, that leftover pizza slice looks tempting, but plenty of healthy late-night options exist to keep nutrition high and guilt low. Let's dive into the best options you can grab 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 make a great, low-calorie source of protein. They also work overtime to help keep you full. These little guys are super versatile, too, meaning you can scramble a couple or boil them before topping with light seasoning.
3. Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella
It may be late, but that doesn't mean you can't put together your own mini Caprese salad! All you need is a handful of cherry tomatoes and a bit of mozzarella for a snack full of vitamins and calcium. That cheese also comes loaded with protein, so you won't get hungry in the night.
4. Apple and Almond Butter
If plain apples aren't your scene, you can always jazz them up with a spoonful of almond butter. Apples come filled with water and fiber, making them a low-calorie snack that curbs hunger and boosts 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, and late-night indulgence won't change that. 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, you don't need any prep.
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. They take a little finesse to ensure you don't burn them, but once you nail down the specifics, it's smooth sailing.
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. Cut your banana into slices or indulge in a slice of whole wheat bread; either way, this powerhouse team comes 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. Gluten-free, lactose intolerant, it doesn't matter—you can mix and match varieties to score the perfect treat. To keep it healthy, stick with whole wheat crackers and low-fat cheese, such as mozzarella, swiss, or cheddar.
9. Greek Yogurt and Fruit
Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, which keeps you 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! Strawberries and blueberries also have the added bonus of antioxidants.
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!
11. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an all-around healthy dish perfect for breakfast or late-night snacking, but you need to be careful what you add to it. Though it comes with vitamins and minerals, fresh fruit and protein powder are far better than granola chunks and dried fruit.
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 fruit that bring the best of both worlds—nutrition and flavor. Just make sure you don’t eat a ton of it before bed, and to stay healthy, whip up some of your own!
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, that dash of salt can help curb your cravings.
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.
15. Veggies and Dip
Speaking of vegetables, nothing beats the classic veggies and dip combo. 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. Try to keep away from creamy dressings, though.
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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.
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.
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, they also offer a healthy late-night option full of protein.
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! Steer clear of the store-bought stuff, however; you're much better off making a healthier version at home than indulging in a bowl mixed with added sugar.
20. Berries
On the other hand, we understand if you don't feel like running the blender at night. Rather than run a noisy appliance, 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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