Are You Guilty Of Snacking At Night?

Many people love snacking, especially during the night. People snack at night for many reasons such as coming home late from work, hunger, boredom, or not having enough to eat at dinner. Snacking at night may point to deeper issues of stress, loneliness, and even depression. You have probably heard that snacking at night is bad for you, and it is. It can cause weight gain, disrupt your sleep, and over time can cause serious health problems.

So how does one stop or at least make healthier choices when late night snacking?

Snacking at night is bad for you

If snacking at night is impossible to resist, at least buy healthy snacks. Food that is high in protein and fiber will be just as filling as unhealthy snacks. In this interview with CNN Holly Firfer makes a couple suggestions for healthy options.

Replace unhealthy snacks with healthy ones

Popcorn is a common "snacking at night" snack. For a healthy option try butter less popcorn. “If you want something that’s sweeter, you might try adding a little bit of cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar,” Firfer suggests.

Eat fruit and healthy fats

Eating fruit such as blueberries are good for you, and they taste good too! Holly Firfer suggested eating a handful of nuts as well. Nuts are fattening but they are a lot healthier in moderation compared to chips, soda, or ice cream.

Keep a food journal

Keeping a food journal will really help you stay aware of what you are eating. You can also try counting your calories; this is very beneficial if you are trying to lose weight as well. Getting someone to join you on your no snacking at night, and keep you accountable, will help a lot as well.

(image: drfranklipman.com)