Most people assume that eating a few hours before bedtime will inevitably get them to put some weight on. The truth is you might gain weight if you eat French fries and a few burgers night by night before bedtime. However, whether you have just finished your workout, a long day at work or you just feel like having a snack, you can eat before going to sleep. What really matters is what you eat then. So, what are the best foods to eat before bedtime?
Cherries
Cherries make excellent desserts. They can satisfy your craving for something sweet, but they will also help you fall asleep much easier because of the high amounts of melatonin, known as the sleep hormone. You can either have a bowl of cherries or some freshly squeezed cherry juice right before bed.
Since they are fruity and natural, your body will not gain weight, so there is nothing to be concerned about. In fact, they are extremely rich in oxidants, so they can fight inflammation and other health related issues.
Protein Shakes
You do not necessarily have to be a gym freak in order to enjoy a protein shake every once in a while. However, if you hit the gym in the evening, it makes an even better choice. It fuels your body and feeds the torn muscles after an intense workout. Besides, the whole process takes place overnight, as you sleep – even better!
The science behind protein shakes before bedtime is fairly simple to understand. Your muscles rest and recover without being exposed to any stress. They use the amino acids for a more efficient protein synthesis as well. Not only do protein shakes help you build muscle, but they also aid in burning fat.
Turkey
Turkey makes a solid snack before bedtime. You do not have to have a heavy meal though, but just a snack. It makes no difference if you have just returned from the gym or a long day at work – you do need to eat. It is rich in protein, which also helps muscle synthesis.
So, how much turkey should you have before going to sleep? Generally speaking, a few slices mixed with some rice cakes, crackers or wholewheat bread will do the trick. You will get a decent dose of fiber and vitamins – excellent for a good night’s sleep and an energetic morning.
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk looks suitable to your sweet tooth nature, but it is also a healthy weight loss solution before hitting the bed. It is obviously rich in calcium, which will burn belly fat much faster. Besides, the vitamin D in milk also eases the absorption of calcium. Rich in protein, chocolate milk will fill you up and help your muscles after an evening workout.
Worried about the sugar? Check the ingredients then. Pick a brand that does not overwhelm its products with sugar. At the same time, fructose corn syrup is a no-no before bedtime.
Almonds
If sugar is not your thing but you feel hungry and craving for something salty, almonds make an excellent solution. Believe it or not, a serving has around 5g of protein. Fix your muscles overnight and get enough fiber to feel your stomach full.
Almonds are often featured among the most powerful fat burning foods too. When combined with a healthy lifestyle and exercise, having ¼ cup of almonds every evening will help you shed that unwanted belly flab.
Peanut Butter
When they hear about peanut butter, the uneducated will always blame its high amounts of fat – what a terrible mistake! Peanut butter is not just delicious and filling, but it also makes a good night snack. It is rich in tryptophan – one of the sleep amino acids.
Mix it with wholegrain bread for some vitamin B intake and enjoy. The plant based protein is healthy and helps fix damaged muscle, while the monounsaturated fat helps against belly flab. Plus, you only need a slice or two to fill full, so you are less likely to exaggerate.
Cottage Cheese
Ask bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts about their favorite late night snacks and most of them will give you the same answer – cottage cheese. Some of them have up to a few servings. What are their reasons? Cottage cheese is rich in casein. It is a protein that slowly releases into the body. In other words, it keeps you full for longer times, but it also feeds your muscles overnight.
As if all these were not enough, cottage cheese is rich in tryptophan, which will make you feel sleepy within minutes.
Bananas
Bananas can be a bit misleading. They have high contents of tryptophan. The amino acid will help you fall asleep faster, but also sleep deeper. They are rich in fiber too, which helps the stomach. However, bananas can cause bloating if eaten in high amounts. Plus, each banana has around 100 calories. From this point of view, have one or two bananas – not more.
If you want to surprise yourself, freeze an unpeeled banana for a few hours, then mash it up using a masher or a fork. It will have the same nutrients, only it will taste like banana ice cream.
Kefir
Kefir is a dairy product. It is basically obtained from fermented milk. It contains high amounts of tryptophan to aid your sleep, but it also comes with a good dose of calcium.
What makes kefir different from milk then? Simple – it is literally packed with probiotics. Probiotics are mandatory to keep your bacteria healthy and happy. Gut bacteria has often been connected to the actual weight. If the gut bacteria is not balanced, you will most likely gain lots of weight.
Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, these nine foods make great snacks or light meals before bedtime. Forget about all the nonsense regarding foods before bedtime. Some of them will help you gain weight, while others will not. It makes no difference if you eat them before bedtime or as soon as you wake up – results will be similar.
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