What do experts suggest?
Many people feel hungry again after having dinner due to various reasons. This could be due to work shifts, boredom, stress or if you ate dinner less or earlier.
There is a lot of debate on whether or not to eat after dinner. And, if it’s okay, what foods should be consumed at that time? According to Dietitian and Nutritionist Sakina Mustansir, if you eat breakfast wisely, you will not gain weight. Here are some foods suggested by experts that you can eat till late at night.
* Berries – Berries are packed with fiber that helps you feel full, plus they also contain magnesium, a mineral that rapidly relaxes nerves and muscles.
* Peanut Butter Sandwich – Peanut butter contains tryptophan which is converted into melatonin in the brain to promote sleep. And carbohydrates like bread are needed to make more tryptophan available to the brain. That’s why peanut butter bread is the perfect addition to a pre-bedtime snack, and is nutritious too.
* Whole grain crackers – This can come in handy when you are hungry for something salty and crunchy at night. Make sure they are unsalted to keep more eating at bay.
* Carrots and Hummus – If you’re craving something crunchy and low-calorie and filling, fresh carrots with hummus can come in handy.
* Popcorn – People who want to eat something salty and crunchy, we would recommend them to eat popcorn. It is a high fiber snack that will keep you full till the next meal. Skip the butter and salt, and replace them with heart-healthy fats like olive oil or fresh herbs. Indeed, three cups of air-popped popcorn has less than 100 calories and almost 4 grams of fiber, which will help keep you feeling full.
Nuts – Nuts like walnuts and almonds contain natural melatonin, protein and magnesium, a handful of nuts will satisfy hunger and induce sleep.
* Roasted chickpeas – Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy nutrient-rich, low-calorie snack that is high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, which makes them a healthy alternative to salty snacks like potato chips.
*Low Fat Turmeric Milk – Milk is a rich source of important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B, potassium and vitamin D. Mixing turmeric in milk gives relief to your body. It gives a calming effect to the brain and gives you a good night’s sleep.
Inputs from IAN
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