Evening and midnight snacks can be healthy if you make the right choices. Look for items that are low in calories, filling and satisfy your cravings. You should also choose foods with a low sugar content. If you have questions about snacking and nutritious food be sure to speak with a registered dietitian.
Nuts
Nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and other healthful nutrients and when eaten in small quantities you can keep the calories low. Nuts are full of unsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL, or bad, cholesterol and raise HDL, or good, cholesterol, according to The Harvard School of Public Health. Nuts can help satisfy cravings for fatty food or salty midnight items. To keep the calorie content low, eat only a small handful of about 8 to 12 nuts. Try almonds, cashews, peanuts and pistachios.
Low-Fat Dairy
Dairy products contain vitamins, minerals, and they are high in protein and calcium. When looking for a healthy midnight snack, choose low-fat dairy, which is lower in calories but still filling. Items like low-fat cheese, reduced-fat milk, low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt are the best choices. If you are craving something sweet, try adding a little fruit to your yogurt and make a parfait. You can also blend yogurt, milk and fruit to make a low-calorie smoothie. If you suffer from lactose intolerance, low-fat dairy is still a healthy option, as you can use lactose-free milk, soy milk, and lactose-free yogurt and cheese.
Fruits and Vegetables
Eating fruits and vegetables provides a feeling of fullness with little to no fat and only a small number of calories, explains MayoClinic.com. Fruits and vegetables also have a high water content, provide vitamins, minerals and fiber, so they make an excellent midnight snack choice. Try fresh fruit or dried fruits, but dried fruits are higher in calories, such read the product labels carefully. Fresh vegetables and a low calorie dip are also a good snack. Try cucumber, baby carrots, broccoli, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Whole Grains
Whole grain snacks are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which give you energy and can help you stay full late at night. Try a low in sugar and whole grain cereal with low-fat milk. Other options are low-fat and low-calorie whole wheat crackers, whole grain pretzels, and whole grain toast. Make sure to read the label and choose items that read "whole grain," "whole wheat," or "stone ground" in the first ingredients. This will guarantee a high fiber and whole grain product.
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