Have you ever had the urge to snack late at night, but didn’t know what to eat? While it may be tempting to reach for your favorite snack, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat before bedtime.

Certain foods can disrupt your sleep, contribute to weight gain, and negatively affect your overall health. In this article, we’ll explore the top forbidden snacks that you should avoid eating at night.

Sugary Snacks

Sugary snacks may provide a quick burst of energy, but they can also cause a sugar crash and disrupt your sleep. Cookies, candy, and other sweet treats can also contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess.

Instead of reaching for sugary snacks, try a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or a small serving of yogurt.

Processed Snacks

Processed snacks are often high in sodium, preservatives, and other additives that can be harmful to your health. Examples of processed snacks include chips, crackers, and other packaged snacks.

While they may be convenient, they’re not the best option for a late-night snack. Instead, try some raw veggies and hummus, or a piece of whole-grain toast with avocado.

Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with your sleep and make it difficult to fall asleep. While coffee and tea are obvious sources of caffeine, energy drinks and soda also contain high amounts of the stimulant.

If you’re craving a warm beverage, try a cup of herbal tea or warm milk instead.

Fatty Snacks

Fatty snacks are often high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. Examples of fatty snacks include fried foods, full-fat cheese, and ice cream.

Instead of reaching for these snacks, try a small serving of plain popcorn or a handful of edamame.

Spicy Snacks

Spicy snacks may be tempting, but they can also cause acid reflux and disrupt your sleep. Examples of spicy snacks include hot wings, salsa, and chili.

Instead of reaching for spicy snacks, try a small serving of plain crackers or a piece of toast with almond butter.

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as cheese and ice cream can be difficult for your body to digest, causing discomfort and disrupting your sleep. If you’re craving something creamy, try a small serving of yogurt or a glass of almond milk.

Alcohol

While alcohol may help you relax and fall asleep faster, it can also disrupt your sleep and lead to dehydration. It’s best to avoid alcohol before bedtime and opt for a glass of water instead.

High-Protein Snacks

High-protein snacks such as beef jerky or protein bars may be tempting, but they can also be difficult to digest and disrupt your sleep. If you’re craving protein, try a small serving of roasted chickpeas or a hard-boiled egg.

Large Meals

Eating a large meal close to bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep and may cause digestive discomfort. It’s best to eat your largest meal several hours before bedtime and opt for a light snack if you need a late-night snack.

Cereal

While cereal may seem like a healthy option, many varieties are high in sugar and lack fiber. If you’re craving something crunchy, try a small serving of whole-grain crackers or baked chips.

Conclusion

While it’s important to satisfy your late-night cravings, it’s equally important to be mindful of what you eat.

Avoiding sugary snacks, processed foods, caffeine, fatty snacks, spicy foods, dairy products, alcohol, high-protein snacks, large meals, and cereal can help you get a good night’s sleep and maintain a healthy weight. Instead, reach for whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains for a healthy late-night snack.