The Bitter Truth About Midnight Snacks
End of the day of work or studying and there you are, stood at the fridge at 12 am, staring at a bar of chocolate or a packet of crisps. Ring a bell? The cold hard truth is late-night munchies are not your friends. You could be hindering your weight loss journey, energy levels and sleep itself with one bad habit.
we understand that to be aware is to change. Today we bring you the top 5 dangers of late-night snacking and show you the tips and tricks to stop the habit without having to deprive yourself.
The damaging consequences of late-night eating
Why are late-night munchies bad?
1.Weight gain: When your body's metabolism slows down at night you don't use all of the calories, meaning you gain weight from your food.
2.Sleep disruption: With a fully loaded stomach it is difficult to sleep for long and uninterrupted hours.
3.Digestive problems: Heartburn, discomfort and bloating are a few things people experience due to late-night eating.
4.Hormonal imbalance: Hormone releases like insulin and cortisol caused by eating at night and increase your desire for more food.
5.Mood impacts: A sense of defeat, guilt and fatigue are very commonly associated with night-time binges.
Popular Late-Night snacks to steer clear of:
Chocolate: Consuming large quantities of sugar and caffeine is the perfect way to have a rapid spike and crash that will prevent good sleep.
Fried foods: Too greasy and the stomach finds it difficult to digest at night.
Pizza: The combination of fat + cheese + carbs is a recipe for weight gain.
Sodas: Empty calories and a massive sugar boost are a perfect way to prevent you sleeping well while stocking up on unneeded calories.
How to break free from midnight munchies:
1. Plan your evenings around a nutritious and balanced meal.
Ensuring you have protein and fibre in your diet will stop you craving food until bed-time (e.g. Chicken salad, lentil dish with vegetables).
2. Water for Thirst.
A common misunderstanding is to mistake your hunger for thirst. Drink a large glass of water, or a cup of herbal tea before indulging your urges.
3.Change your nightly routine.
A majority of midnight munchies are often associated with boredom. Ditch the raiding of the fridge for a night in with a good book, a bit of meditation or entertainment.
4. Have healthy options on hand.
In cases where cravings are unavoidable the following options are ideal:
Plain yogurt with fruit on top.
A handful of unsalted nuts.
Carrots or cucumber slices with hummus.
5. Create a 'food cut-off time'.
Set a specific time each night (e.g. After 8 p.m.) when you stop eating for the night. The body will eventually adapt to your schedule.
FAQ
Q:Is late night snacking occasionally ok without any harm to the body?
A:A few hours before bed with small amounts of low-fat foods like fruit, or yogurt should be fine.
Q:Why do I crave sweets at night?
A: The feeling of tiredness and the low serotonin levels in the body mean you require a sugar rush.
Q:Will herbal teas or infusions help?
A: Yes, the likes of peppermint or chamomile tea will help relax you and make you feel less inclined to eat.
Final Word:
A late-night munchie habit might seem harmless but when all is said and done it is quietly eating into your well-being, your waistline and your sleeping pattern. Simple changes, like a well-balanced meal in the evening, water, or a change in your daily schedule can significantly reduce this urge to eat late at night.
Remember: Late night feasting is not about denial, it is about health.