Snacking is everyone's favorite thing to do! Late night in college most students crave foods like pizza, Cook-out or Jimmy Johns. Reasons for late night snacking may be from: dehydration, boredom, hunger, low salt or sugar levels, and lack of protein in your body.
Not all late night snacks are bad for you. When you feel hungry, try to think about something you should eat, and not something you want to eat. At that moment it might be a great idea, but when you wake up in the morning you most likely will regret it. Also junk food prevents you from having a good night sleep. So skip the late night Cookout tray and try one of these alternate options!
Alternative Late Night Snacks
1. Popcorn
Popcorn is a great late night snack, also one of my favorite snacks ever! The snack pack popcorn is always a go-to for me because it is just the right amount and it is 100 calories. Popcorn is a great late night snack because it is not too filling.
2. Crackers
Multi-grain,whole wheat or low fat crackers are better options of late night snacking. You can eat them with light cheese, such as The Laughing Cow wedges or small pieces of turkey or ham. It is better to choose the healthier option of crackers instead of the white and starchy ones, because those are not very healthy for you.
3. Dark Chocolate
I personally love milk chocolate but dark chocolate is a healthier option. Dark chocolate is made of 70% cocoa and has less sugar and more number of antioxidants than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate also lowers your blood pressure. But that does not mean go eat a whole bag of dark chocolate, you still need to eat it in moderation.
4. Cereal
Not only is cereal a great breakfast food, it is also just as good at night, as a snack. Instead of using whole milk or 2% opt out of those options and use low fat milk. All the nutrients in it will give you protein, vitamin D and calcium. Also try to stick to low sugar cereals late night. The sugar in those cereals will potentially give you a sugar high and keep you up all night.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is the new craze these days. It is a much healthier option than other types of yogurt. Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in fat, it keeps you full and helps you loose weight. Paring greek yogurt with honey or fruit, makes it taste a lot better also.
6. Whole Wheat Bread
Late night sandwiches are always a great option. Whole wheat bread digest easily, which makes it a better option than white bread for late night snacking. You can fill the sandwich with veggies or chicken for a more healthier option, but PB&J is always a good filling too!
7. Eggs
Boiled, fried, over easy or poached are all different ways your can eat eggs. Eggs are very easy to make, which is good for late night snacking. You can even make an egg sandwich on whole wheat toast.
8. Fruit
Fruit is a very easy option for late night snacking. All you have to do is grab an orange or apple and call it a night. You can even try freezing blueberries and eating them as a late night snack!
9. Protein Bars
Bars are also a very quick and easy snack to indulgent in. Protein bars will make you feel energized and full at the same time! Try the bars with a lot of nuts in them, they are a healthier option.
10. Veggie Sticks
Celery and carrot sticks are a great option for late night snacking. Another benefit of choosing celery as a late night snack is, you burn more calories than you consume. Snack on these with ranch and you will crave your late night cravings.
Next time your thinking of indulging in pizza or a tray from Cook-Out, try one of these healthier options!
