Hungry Before Bedtime?
So they say that you’re not supposed to eat at least 2 hours before bedtime. But your stomach’s growling and there’s no way you’re going to get any Z’s on an empty stomach. What’s a hungry person supposed to do?
There are some foods that can actually help aid your sleep that you can eat before you go to bed. These foods contain tryptophan, an amino acid component of many plant and animal proteins.
Tryptophan is one of the ingredients necessary for the body to make serotonin, the neurotransmitter best known for creating feelings of calm, and for making you sleepy.
The trick is to combine the right foods that have some tryptophan and some carbohydrates to aid in carrying the tryptophan to the brain. Without the carbs, it won’t work the way its suppose to.
Serotonin-producing bedtime snacks should be no more than 200 calories and should be eaten at least 30 mins before you go to bed (which sure beats the 2 hours that health experts suggest)
Here are a few great ideas:
- 6-8 oz container of non-fat, flavored yogurt topped with 2 tablespoons of low-fat granola cereal
- Sliced apple with 1-2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter
- 3 cups of low-fat popcorn - sprinkled with optional 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- One cup healthy cereal with skim milk
- Low-fat granola bar
- Scoop of vanilla or strawberry low-fat ice cream
- 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla pudding
- 1/2 banana with 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- One cup of skim milk with fruit
These snacks are a great way to wind down before bed.
For more nutrition tips, you can check out Joy Bauer’s Food Cures: Treat Common Health Concerns, Look Younger & Live Longer
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to “Hungry Before Bedtime?”
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James Says:
wow. that is alot of information. I dont even know if I could do all that. And thank you so much for lettming me in on all the info.