When trying to lose weight, the first thing to consider is how your diet is affecting your overall weight. So, often the hardest time of day to stick to your weight loss goals is nighttime. It is much easier to make a healthier decision throughout the day. You might kick start your day with a nutritious smoothie for breakfast, a healthy lunch like a salad and you could even make a protein-packed, healthy, balanced dinner still in line with your weight loss plan. However, then the late-night cravings appear out the blue and often it is hard to resist. So, what can you do to sate your hunger but still appease the late-night pangs?
1. Popcorn
Skip the butter on the popcorn and top it with either sea salt or spices to kick your late-night snack craving.
A cup of popcorn only has 30 calories and is packed full of fibre, meaning its could help with your cravings and weight loss without having to sacrifice any of the hard work.
2. Dark Chocolate
It is a well-known fact that dark chocolate, or chocolate that has more than 72 percent cacao, is a great weight-loss snack. It contains plenty of antioxidants and fiber to satiate, while also steering clear of high doses for sugar, which milk chocolate is known to have.
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3. Dried Figs
When the sweet tooth strikes, dried fruit, specifically figs, should be a go-to snack option for slimmers.
Dried figs are packed with fibre and naturally low in fat, making them a great dessert alternative.
However, it is important to keep portion control in mind so limit yourself to three or four of these chewy treats.
4. Greek Yoghurt
High in protein and low in sugar, greek yoghurt can fulfil that creamy craving you get from a tub of Ben&Jerry’s ice cream, without messing with your blood sugar levels as typical desserts do.
Add some sliced fruit, honey, dark chocolate chips or granola for an extra flavouring to your late-night snack.
5. Frozen Berries
Freezing fruit such as berries or bananas will resemble a sorbet-like treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re also rich in fibre which increases satiety, and packed with healthy vitamins and antioxidants to boot.
Plus, frozen bananas can be tossed in the food processor to make a homemade “nice” cream. Then add in some frozen berries once the bananas are smooth for a delicious fruity confection.
6. Apple and Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is loaded with protein whilst apples are full of fibre.
Combined, they make for a super tasty and craving satisfying snack, all without leaving a heavy feeling in your stomach or causing any weight loss diet guilt.
7. Banana
A single banana is thought to have 100 calories each, but it is rich in fibre and full of amino acid tryptophan which your body uses to manufacture serotonin and melatonin—both important mood and sleep-regulating neurotransmitters.
8. Cherries
Sweet in taste and low in calories, cherries can satisfy a slimmer’s sweet tooth while also encouraging a good night’s sleep since they are thought to be particularly good for a restful night because they are naturally high in melatonin.
9. Avocado Toast
If you need something a little more satisfying, try toasting a piece of whole wheat bread and smashing half an avocado across the top. Sprinkled with a little salt & pepper and you’ve got yourself a satisfying, filling snack.
Avocados are a great source of potassium, one of the best healthy fats, plus they’ve got all sorts of vitamins and minerals
10. Tea
Although tea is not a food, sometimes when you feel hungry, it’s important to see whether you might just be thirsty. Mistaking hunger for thirst is fairly common and the best thing you can do is to start with some liquid such as tea.
Tea has a whole slew of health benefits and may just be the calming elixir you need before bed.