Some call it a midnight snack, others label it a nighttime nosh. But, whatever term you use, most people enjoy late night treats.
Myth: Eating Before Bed Makes You Fat
There’s a stigma attached to eating after dinner because people believe late night snacks are unhealthy and will make you fat. That can be true, especially if your go-to is a pint of ice cream or bag of potato chips, but there’s a better way to snack at night.
Here are four ways to turn the munchies into part of your health and wellness routine.
1. Go Green
Switching from your favorite ice cream to a green smoothie might seem cruel, but the nutrients and fiber found in leafy greens and other produce will leave you feeling more satisfied than junk food (which only comes with guilt). Leafy greens are often also a great source of magnesium, which can help improve sleep in some cases.
2. Don’t Skip the Workout
It’s 4:50 p.m., you had a crushing day at work, and all you want to do is go straight home and head for the couch.
It’s tempting, but that decision could trigger a chain reaction that inevitably ends with a bag of chips at the end of the night. A post-work run or weightlifting session may increase hunger, but it can also inspire better food choices for dinner. And because one good choice often leads to another, you’ll be snacking smarter before bed.
3. Pre-Bed Protein
The desperation from nighttime hunger can nudge us to make bad diet decisions, but few things solve that problem like a scoop of whey protein.
Protein is not only great for satiety, but it can also fuel your body’s recovery during sleep. This is good news for anyone who prefers afternoon or evening workouts.
Nighttime protein bundles like the Bedtime Belly Buster combine the whey protein found in IsaPro® with the nutrients found in Isagenix Fruits and Isagenix Greens™ to deliver the perfect nutritional combination before bed.
4. Hunger vs. Boredom
This is where “trust your gut” does not apply. Are you really hungry or just looking for something to do before bed?
One of the best ways to combat mindless snacking is to create a solid pre-bed routine that involves a wind-down activity like reading a book and drinking water, which can help you feel a little fuller. Staying true to a routine can keep you away from the fridge and a world of junk food regret before bedtime.
A Game Plan for Your Snack Jam
It’s time to bust the stigma once and for all: Snacking before bed does not necessarily make you fat. The food choices we make have an impact on our health, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late night snack. Follow the tips above, and you can turn a bedtime indulgence into a health and wellness strategy.
