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Weight Loss Hacks! 12 Best Snacks for Your Midnight Cravings

12 healthy bedtime snacks that can help you lose weight.

best bedtime snacks for weight loss

Are you a night owl?

If yes, then you must be experienced at hunting down leftovers after midnight. Especially the last few slices of pizza and the last bowl of ice-cream.

But while craving some food to fuel your waking hours is quite normal at night, the pitfall of this habit is weight gain.

Lots of it.

So if you want to stay true to your weight loss goals and remain fit and healthy, then the following weight loss hacks will definitely be worth your while.

#1 Whole Grain Cereal

#1 Whole Grain Cereal

While a big bowl of milk and cereal is a great way to start your day, the same (without milk) is the perfect answer for your late night hunger pangs.

After all, the high fiber content is a great way to fill up your stomach fast, and aid digestion at the same time.

8 Indian Whole Grains for a Healthy Diet8 Indian Whole Grains for a Healthy Diet

#2 Oatmeal

#2 Oatmeal

Whole grain oats are great. But sometimes they can be too unappetizing.

That's where oatmeal comes in.

A warm bowl of milk and oatmeal is a great midnight snack because it stimulates secretion of melatonin and serotonin in your body, which are hormones responsible for giving you a good night's sleep.

Just remember to hold the sugar. That's really unhealthy! And instead, add in some berries for some natural sweetness.

#3 Peanut Butter

#3 Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is rich in the amino acid, Tryptophan, which increases the release of melatonin and serotonin in our body (the sleep cycle hormones).

So if you crave some food after midnight, just twist open a jar of peanut butter and spread it onto a piece of bread for a healthy bedtime snack.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter for ChildrenHealth Benefits of Peanut Butter for Children

#4 Toasted Bread

#4 Toasted Bread

Plain whole grain bread will do just fine. But the toasted ones are even better.

Just remember to spread on some peanut butter for added taste (and benefit)!

#5 Greek Yogurt

#5 Greek Yogurt

Before I tell you why you should have Greek yoghurt before bed, let me clarify something - Greek yoghurt is very different from the curd we usually set at home.

This is because Greek yoghurt is produced by sieving out all the excess liquids and whey protein present in plain yoghurt, which gives you a thicker, smoother, and richer yoghurt consistency.

And while Greek yoghurt is slightly more expensive than normal yoghurt (because of this production technique), the investment is well worth it if you buy the unsweetened version.

This is because Greek Yoghurt is a high protein snack that naturally helps your body grow lean muscles, which increases your metabolism and thus, burns away all excess fatfrom your body.

Healthy Proteins to Eat Every DayHealthy Proteins to Eat Every Day

#6 Paneer

#6 Paneer

Not only is paneer rich in casein, which is a slow-releasing protein that keeps your belly full for a longer time, it is also rich in tryptophan and so helps you get a good night's sleep.

#7 Carrots and Cucumber

#7 Carrots and Cucumber

Next time you feel hungry at night, just reach into the vegetable box in your refrigerator and pull out a carrot stick or a cucumber to help quieten your hunger pangs.

And if you have some hummus, then all the better!

Never Mix Carrot and Orange Juice!Never Mix Carrot and Orange Juice!

#8 Apples

#8 Apples

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is not just a saying. It is true.

Not only is this fruit rich in nutrients, it is also high in insoluble fibers, which instantly curbs your food cravings.

#9 Popcorn

#9 Popcorn

If you thought this point was referring to the butter-caramel popcorn we usually eat in movie halls, then you are wrong.

Plain, unsalted popcorn is a better midnight snack.

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#10 Banana

#10 Banana

Not only does eating a banana simmer down your midnight sugar craving, it is also high in tryptophan and so naturally good at giving you a good night's sleep.

#11 Almonds

#11 Almonds

Studies have shown that overweight people who eat one-fourth cup of almonds every day lose over 62% of their weight over 6 months.

This is because almonds are naturally good at increasing your metabolism by repairing muscles and burning fat.

Just remember, too much of it will make you gain weight.

Reasons Why You Should Eat Soaked Almonds

#12 Cherries

#12 Cherries

Rich in tryptophan, cherries are great at inducing sleep. And they are also rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in our body.

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Are you a night owl who regularly snacks at midnight?

Let us know in the comments section below. And share with us the one food you are going to try before bed tonight.

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Story first published: Monday, September 18, 2017, 17:38 [IST]
Read more about: snacks weight loss fitness diet