12 Healthy Late-Night Snacks April 23, 2018

It happens: You have a perfectly satisfying dinner, finish up some chores around the home or spend time with the family, and eventually settle in to watch your favorite program or the news.

Hunger strikes.

Could it be that watching the television triggers snack pangs? Could be. Perhaps you didn’t consume enough protein during the day and now your stomach lining is paying the price? It’s possible.

To chew or not to chew?

While snacking before bed is generally fodder for weight gain – particularly if you reach for the loaded nachos or a bag of chips – there are several healthy alternatives to help you make it through the night comfortably without adding on the extra pounds. Consider keeping a ready, pre-portioned stock of the following snacks available should the urge to munch overwhelm your better dietary senses:

1. Trail mix (Dried Fruits and Nuts)
2. Peanut Butter or Avocado Toast
3. Hard boiled Eggs
4. Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers
5. High-Fiber Cereal
6. Air-popped Popcorn (Don’t have an air popper? Try a sealed paper bag!)
7. String Cheese or Babybel Wheels
8. Turkey Slices
9. Raw Vegetables and Hummus
10. Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese with Fruit
11. A Handful of Almonds or Pistachios
12. Banana with Peanut Butter

Remember, watching television at night may make you more subconsciously inclined to nibble – consider whether you truly are hungry and whether a cup of herbal tea might fill the void. If all signs point to snacking, avoid bringing the whole bag to your couch – studies show that we eat less when we snack from a predetermined bowl or plate. Avoiding foods high in sugar, salt, and fat will also decrease the likelihood of disturbed sleep or morning bloat.

Click here for more tips on how to “Hack Your Snacks” via ChooseMyPlate.gov

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, that provides free medical care to eligible patients, just like any family practitioner or internist. The Free Clinic serves uninsured adults living at or below 200 % of the Federal poverty level who live or work on Johns, Wadmalaw or James Islands. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.