Most of us – if not all of us – have indulged in midnight snacking at some point. Whether it’s a rare occurrence or a more frequent part of your routine, there’s no denying that late night treats always seem to hit the spot!
Does Eating Before Bed Make You Fat?
There’s stigma attached to eating after dinner because people believe late night snacks are unhealthy and will make you fat. That may be true, especially if your go-to is a bowl of ice cream or bag of potato chips, but there’s a better way to snack at night.
Here are four ways to turn the munchies into a healthier part of your nutrition routine.
1. Go Green
Switching from your favourite ice cream to a green smoothie might seem cruel, but your body will love you more for the nutrients and fibre in leafy greens and other natural ingredients that will leave you feeling more satisfied – and less guilty too!
2. Don’t Skip the Workout
It’s 4:50pm, you had a crushing day at work, and all you want to do is head straight home for the couch.
As tempting as it sounds, that decision could trigger a chain reaction that inevitably ends with a bag of chips at the end of the evening. A post-work run or gym session may increase hunger, but it can also inspire better food choices for dinner. No one wants to waste their workouts by making poor food choices! One good meal decision can have a positive domino effect on your daily nutrition.
3. Pre-Bed Protein
Night-time hunger desperation can nudge us towards bad diet decisions, but few things get you back on track like a scoop of whey protein.
Protein is not only great for satisfying cravings, it can also fuel your body’s recovery during sleep – good news for anyone who prefers afternoon or evening workouts.
A night-time protein-packed hit, the Bedtime Belly Buster combines whey protein found in IsaPro™ with nutrient-rich Isagenix Greens™ to deliver the perfect nutrition combo before bed.
4. Hunger vs. Boredom
Do you always trust your gut? You might be surprised to hear this, but sometimes your stomach lies! You might need to question your instincts because there’s a good chance you could just be thirsty…
One of the best ways to combat mindless snacking is to create a solid pre-bed routine that involves a wind-down activity like reading a book and drinking water, or a calming herbal tea, which can help you feel a little fuller. Staying true to a routine can keep you away from the fridge and a world of junk food regret before bedtime.
A Game Plan for Your Snack Jam
It’s time to bust the stigma once and for all: Snacking before bed does not necessarily make you fat. The food choices we make have an impact on our health, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack. Follow the tips above, and you can turn a bedtime indulgence into a health and wellness strategy.