Snacking at night is the downfall of many a dieter. Even after a full day of keeping a strict watch on your diet and eating foods that are only wholesome and nutritious, everything can be undone by indulging in a snack loaded with fat and calories. Luckily, numerous healthy snacks that fit into your diet can be enjoyed in the evening to banish bedtime hunger.
Fruit
Fruit should be the first thing that enters your mind when looking for a healthy nighttime snack. Your best fruit choices for an evening snack include oranges, strawberries, plums, blueberries, cherries, raspberries and blackberries. These selections contain fewer natural sugars than watermelon, bananas, cantaloupe or apples. Eat the fruit individually, or slice assorted fruits into a fruit salad; you can pull the bowl out of the refrigerator and make yourself a small cup any time you want.
Yogurt
It's hard to go wrong with yogurt as a snack, regardless of what time of day it is. Stick with the low-fat variety, and pick the plain or vanilla flavor as other flavors are loaded with artificial ingredients and sugars. Instead, use sliced fruit or berries, honey or granola to sweeten it up, and enjoy this calcium- and protein-packed snack.
Vegetables and Dip
Vegetables and dip make a good snack choice as long as you are not using one of the store-bought dips packed with fat, calories and artificial additives. Instead, make your own dip at home using plain, low-fat yogurt or low-fat sour cream as a base. Add your favorite herbs and low-sodium seasonings; mix it up, and use it for dipping celery, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
Considerations
If you find yourself desiring snacks nearly every night, examine whether you are truly hungry. At times, late-night cravings for sweet or salty foods are triggered by watching television. To limit night snacking, drink a glass of water, and then wait a little while to see if you are still hungry; thirst often triggers feelings of hungriness. If you feel the need to snack while watching television, turn it off and read a book or talk on the phone. If you still feel like a snack, turn to one of the healthy choices mentioned here.
References
- "Nutrition for Healthy Eating"; Wendy Schiff; 2010
- "Snack Attack: Over 150 Guilt-Free Treats for Healthy Munching"; Ruth Glick; 2006
- "Healthy Snacks"; Tarla Dalal; 2006
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