Late-night cravings? Stop your guilty snacking and try these 6 healthy alternatives
Change your habit of late-night snacking. Try these healthy snacks instead
There's a point where everyone is guilty of sneaking into the kitchen to eat their comfort food, whether it is ramen or munching on chips.
These guilty late-night indulgences may seem comforting, but they are anything but safe for your health. Often, late-night snacks include processed foods like chips and noodles, which contain high fats, sodium, and preservatives, causing health problems eventually.
So what is the solution? Although it is recommended not to eat late at night after dinner, many people often stay up late to study or for work.
It's common to get cravings during such hours. The solution is to be mindful of what is being consumed.
Sakshi Lalwani, a nutritionist, as described in her Instagram bio, shared healthy night snacks that are high in protein and fibre and low in sugar and fats.
This approach helps prevent digestion or sleep problems as well.
Healthy night snacks to have:
- Roasted nuts: Sakshi suggested almonds or walnuts as they are rich in magnesium.
- Vegetable soup: Low in calories and high in fibre. Include spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Cottage cheese or paneer with pineapple or cucumber.
- Cucumber slices with lemon and salt.
- Frozen banana dipped in dark chocolate.
- Baked apple slice with cinnamon.
All the snacks the nutritionist mentioned are high in protein, fibre and other essential nutrients like magnesium. These snacks are also health-friendly and low in sodium, sugar and calories.
Some may require preparation time, but who doesn't get random spurts of culinary motivation at night anyways? At least this time, it's for a good cause, sticking to your fitness goal.
One may even think about what a simple bowl of late-night noodles or chips packet does anyway. You may rationalise with this justification but fall victim to the same excuse the next day as well.
Slowly, it will build up as a habit, and before you know it, you are far from your fitness goals, heading towards serious health concerns.
These seemingly harmless habits can snowball into bigger issues.
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.]