Low Calorie Midnight Snacks for the Late Night Binge
By Genevieve Cunningham
If you’re at all interested in staying fit and eating a healthy diet, you may have heard that midnight snacks are no-go. They can lead to weight gain, fat around the middle, and a slower metabolism. But it might not be that you can’t eat anything at all, but rather that you should only eat certain things. If you crave a midnight snack but don’t want to rock the healthy diet boat, take a look at these low calorie options to add to your late night menu.
Pretzels
Pretzels can satisfy a craving for chips … which happens to be an often sought after late night treat. Instead of reaching for that bag of chips, grab a handful of pretzels. You’ll get the salty and crunchy satisfaction, but you’ll also get far fewer calories. If you need a little flavor, just dip them in a low calorie dipping sauce or some mustard. This can give just enough flavor without adding on too many calories or fat.
Pickles
Pickles are a great midnight snack. Actually, they're a great snack at any time of the day. They are incredibly low calorie, only adding an additional five to 10 calories per pickle, depending on the size. They give the consumer a strong flavor, plenty of salt, and still a crunchy satisfaction for the taste buds. Just make sure to brush those teeth again after your snack or you might find the flavor and smell too strong to allow good sleep.
Carrots
Carrots are low in calories, packed with nutrients, and a nice sweet snack before bed. You can eat them raw, opt for a dipping sauce, or throw them together with a few other veggies. They’re light enough to keep the stomach from feeling too full, and yet heavy enough to make you feel as though you’ve really eaten something. If you need a snack that feels substantial, a handful of baby carrots might be just the ticket.
Depriving yourself of everything enjoyable can backfire in a big way, so don’t do it! If you need a midnight snack, treat yorself. Just make sure that you reach for the right foods so that you can protect your health. Use these as a guide, and you may find yourself moving toward a lighter weight and better health before you know it.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pasadena, Calif.