Were you hungry before going to bed? Find out what to avoid right now

Some foods can disturb digestion and sleep, as well as harm balance.

You ate dinner early, or had plans in the evening, and when you put on your pajamas, you felt your stomach growl. When you are hungry it is difficult to sleep, but it is also inadvisable to eat too much before going to bed, because you risk causing poor digestion.

Discover below some foods that can disturb sleep if consumed at night and some alternatives to satisfy hunger in a healthy way, without jeopardizing your balance.

1. Swap leftover pizza for a sandwich

It may sound tempting, but anything with a lot of fat can cause heartburn, especially if you lie down immediately after eating. A light snack under 200 calories is a much safer bet. Half a sandwich with wholemeal bread and chicken or turkey breast can be a good swap. Your body digests whole grains more slowly, so you feel full longer. And turkey, like chicken, contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. If you prefer cheese, try thin slices with whole-grain crackers or cottage cheese.

2. Instead of chips, pop popcorn

Fat and salt are a bad combination, especially when bedtime approaches. Plus, it’s easy to have too much of the salty stuff at home, so what starts as a small treat can turn into a binge that’s bad for your mood and your waistline. As long as it’s not drenched in butter or heavily salted, popcorn is a good choice. It’s a whole grain and contains fiber, so it will be more satisfying than chips and will keep you fuller for longer.

3. Instead of cookies, use a granola bar

Too much sugar will cheer you up when you should be relaxed. Additionally, a sugar spike is often followed by a crash that may not be pleasant. A granola bar can be a good substitute for a cookie, as long as you check the nutrition label. Make sure your bar contains protein and fiber and not too much sugar. Or grab half a banana and a handful of almonds, both good sources of magnesium, a mineral that can help you relax. This fruit and nut combination also contains tryptophan.

4. Replace the ice cream with Greek yogurt

That creamy, frozen goodness might be calling your name, but try to resist. Fats and sugars can make sleeping difficult. And if you choose the chocolate flavor, you may end up consuming caffeine, which isn’t good when you’re trying to sleep. Protein-rich Greek yogurt is a better idea. Top with some cherries or raspberries, which contain melatonin, a hormone that helps you relax into dreamland.

5. No cereal, just oatmeal

Industrialized grains are full of empty carbohydrates, which may not fill you up for a long time. If you’re craving cereal, replace fruity, iced, or coconut flakes with a low-sugar, high-fiber variety. Oats are not only a great option for breakfast, but can also be eaten overnight. Its fiber intake generates satiety and oats also contain melatonin, which promotes sleep.

6. Tea instead of soda

You probably know that you should stay away from coffee in the evening, but also be careful with tea and caffeinated drinks. Additionally, carbonated drinks can pose a problem as they can cause bloating or reflux. A cup of herbal tea (caffeine-free) can help you relax before bed. Try chamomile, passionflower, or valerian. Peppermint can also be a relaxing choice as long as you don’t suffer from heartburn.

Other suggestions

If you find yourself craving something while watching TV late at night, stop and ask yourself if you’re really hungry. Maybe you’re just bored, restless, or ready to sleep. But if you’re really hungry, don’t ignore your body’s signals: It’s hard to fall asleep when your stomach is rumbling or your blood sugar is low. Choosing the right nighttime snack can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

But do not exaggerate. Going to bed with a very full belly can cause heartburn and bloating, which will make it much more difficult to rest. Instead, look for a “mini-meal,” preferably one that contains some protein and some complex carbohydrates.

Source: WebMD

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.