Pre-Bed Nutrition Tips
Thinking about a late-night snack? Dietitian Mandy Enright advises avoiding high-fat, sugary, or acidic foods before bed [https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/worst-foods-going-bed-003000931.html]. That means skipping the burgers, donuts, and tomato sauce [https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/worst-foods-going-bed-003000931.html]! Spicy foods, caffeine, and heavy meals are also a no-go [https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/worst-foods-going-bed-003000931.html].
Registered Dietitian Mandy Enright advises that the timing of meals and snacks can impact your body's hormonal responses, particularly those of insulin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger. Eating late at night may disrupt the natural circadian rhythm of these hormones. Enright is a former advertising executive who became a registered dietitian, yoga teacher, fitness trainer, and mindfulness instructor. Instead of high-fat or sugary snacks, opt for lighter, easy-to-digest options. Good choices include low-fat yogurt, bananas, nuts, whole-grain crackers, or vegetables with hummus. These can curb late-night cravings without negatively impacting digestion or sleep quality. Snacks that balance carbohydrates and protein, like whole-grain crackers and cheese, can help maintain consistent blood sugar levels. The combination of carbs and tryptophan (found in cheese) aids in the production of serotonin and melatonin, which promote sleep. A small serving, like four whole wheat crackers and a stick of reduced-fat cheddar cheese, contains approximately 145 calories.
