There has been quite a lot of research on the effect late night eating has on weight gain, and unfortunately there are conflicting views. There is a school of thought that says it doesn't matter when you consume fat, the body will deal with it the same, day or night. Other studies say that the time when you consume anything will have a great bearing on how your body processes it. They cite shift workers who eat at odd hours having a higher propensity to be overweight. Whatever argument you happen to adhere to, most of us eat something before bedtime, and what that is will have an important bearing on our weight.
So what will be some of the foods to first avoid at all costs, and then look toward for getting us through the long slumber? Some of the foods to avoid might actually be good for you, just not at that time.
1. Caffeine. Most people would not drink coffee before bedtime and expect to fall to sleep, but may be unaware that many foods, such as dark chocolate, have enough caffeine to keep you awake.
2. High fat foods. Foods heavy in oils and cheese will sit in the digestive tract while you are trying to sleep.
3. Nuts. Of course they're healthy, but their fiber can make digestion difficult, causing sleepless nights.
4. Ice cream. The sugar in ice cream, along with the sugar contained in any food like sweet cereals or candy, are not what you want in your system before going to bed.
5. Spicy foods. These foods by their nature can cause heartburn and stomach problems, plus they can instigate all sorts of issues as they cause endorphins to be released, making sleeping problematic.
6. Red meat. Because it takes the proteins and fat a long time to digest in red meat, it just will sit in your digestive tract, making sleep difficult.
By the way, healthy meal delivery plans have built-in snacks to account for those post-sleep hunger bouts. Now for some healthy late night snack options:
1. Popcorn. Fat-free microwave popcorn, or air-pop your own, and skip the butter. Instead experiment a little with spices, perhaps using a little cinnamon for sweetness, cayenne pepper for a little zest, or tangy lime powder. Let your imagination run wild, but use in moderation.
2. Fat free Greek yogurt. Fast becoming a popular wonder food, it is high in protein, low in sugar, and really fills you up. Add your favorite fruit.
3. Blueberries. A cup will give you vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Top with a little light whipping cream.
4. Crackers. Instead of nuts, but healthy varieties such a low-fat rye, multigrain Wasa crackers, or several other healthy alternatives. Add a small slice of lean lunch meat or light cheese.
5. Lean meat on whole wheat bread. Just keep it to reasonable portion size.
6. Water. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, water alleviates dehydration, which is one of the major reasons for hunger and cravings. Water and a little something else may be all you need.
A couple of final thoughts: it's a snack and not a meal, so keep it to less than 300 calories, and wait a minimum of one hour before heading to bed to give it some time to digest.
So what will be some of the foods to first avoid at all costs, and then look toward for getting us through the long slumber? Some of the foods to avoid might actually be good for you, just not at that time.
2. High fat foods. Foods heavy in oils and cheese will sit in the digestive tract while you are trying to sleep.
3. Nuts. Of course they're healthy, but their fiber can make digestion difficult, causing sleepless nights.
4. Ice cream. The sugar in ice cream, along with the sugar contained in any food like sweet cereals or candy, are not what you want in your system before going to bed.
5. Spicy foods. These foods by their nature can cause heartburn and stomach problems, plus they can instigate all sorts of issues as they cause endorphins to be released, making sleeping problematic.
6. Red meat. Because it takes the proteins and fat a long time to digest in red meat, it just will sit in your digestive tract, making sleep difficult.
By the way, healthy meal delivery plans have built-in snacks to account for those post-sleep hunger bouts. Now for some healthy late night snack options:
2. Fat free Greek yogurt. Fast becoming a popular wonder food, it is high in protein, low in sugar, and really fills you up. Add your favorite fruit.
3. Blueberries. A cup will give you vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Top with a little light whipping cream.
4. Crackers. Instead of nuts, but healthy varieties such a low-fat rye, multigrain Wasa crackers, or several other healthy alternatives. Add a small slice of lean lunch meat or light cheese.
5. Lean meat on whole wheat bread. Just keep it to reasonable portion size.
6. Water. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, water alleviates dehydration, which is one of the major reasons for hunger and cravings. Water and a little something else may be all you need.
A couple of final thoughts: it's a snack and not a meal, so keep it to less than 300 calories, and wait a minimum of one hour before heading to bed to give it some time to digest.
What you eat just prior to turning in for the night could determine just how well you sleep, and may have a bearing on your weight. A Meal Delivery Plan will take much of the guesswork out of the process, and our article Water Help You to Lose Weight points out the way to use water to control food intake. Rich Carroll is a writer and health advocate living in London.
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