Are you currently in the middle of binge-watching the latest Netflix series? Or completing the assignment you have to submit early morning tomorrow? Are you looking for ways to satisfy your hunger during these type of late nights?
Few questions can come up in your mind; What types of snacks should I keep on hand? How can I portion out my snacks? What types of snacks are nutrient-rich? How can I avoid eating mindlessly?
It's common to feel hungry while binge watching or working, especially if you're sitting for long periods of time. However, it's important to choose snacks that will satisfy your hunger and support your overall health and well-being.
Here are a few ideas for healthy snacks that can help fuel your body and brain for those midnight cravings while you're working or studying or better binge-watching tv:
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Dark chocolate and Fruit:
Pairing a small square of high-quality dark chocolate with a few slices of your favourite fruit can be a sweet and satisfying snack. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can provide a number of health benefits when consumed in moderation.
- Choose a chocolate with a high cocoa content, as it tends to be lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants than chocolate with a lower cocoa content.
- Fruit, such as strawberries or figs, is a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and can provide a sweet and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chocolate.
- To make this snack, simply slice a few pieces of your favourite fruit and pair them with a small square of dark chocolate. You can also try drizzling the chocolate over the fruit for a decadent treat.
It can be a tasty and nutritious late night snack. Granola is made from a mixture of oats, nuts, and seeds, and is often sweetened with honey or maple syrup. It can be enjoyed on its own or with milk or yogurt as a topping.
To make flavoured granola, you can follow a basic recipe and add your own favourite flavours. For example, you could try adding spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, to the mixture before baking. You can also try adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the granola after it has baked, and then mixing in your desired flavours.
Some Granolas we love which are made from natural sugar, fresh fruits & without preservatives include:
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Spiced Nuts:
Nuts are a good choice for a late night snack because they are a source of protein and healthy fats, which can help you feel full and satisfied. They also contain fibre, which can help regulate your appetite and digestion.
Here’s an easy and quick recipe to make spiced nuts:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- In a separate bowl, toss 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds and cashews) with 1 tbsp olive oil until coated.
- Add spice mixture to nuts and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Let nuts cool before serving.
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Whole grain Crackers with Hummus:
This can be a healthy and satisfying late night snack. Whole grain crackers are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy, and hummus is a protein-rich dip made from ground chickpeas. Hummus is also a good source of fibre, which can help regulate your appetite and digestion.
To make this snack, simply spread a spoonful of hummus on top of a few whole grain crackers. You can also add some sliced vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for extra crunch and nutrition.
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Greek Yogurt:
It can be a healthy and satisfying late night snack. Greek yogurt is a good source of protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied, and it also contains beneficial bacteria known as probiotics, which can support digestive health.
To make a simple Greek yogurt snack, add a small serving of Greek yogurt to a bowl and top with your favourite toppings, such as fresh berries, sliced almonds, granola, or a drizzle of honey. You can also mix in some chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
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Toast with fun toppings:
Toast with sweet and salty topping can be a tasty and satisfying late night snack. Here are some ideas for sweet and salty toast toppings:
- Peanut butter and banana slices
- Chocolate Syrup and Granola
- Hummus and sliced vegetables
- Almond butter and sliced strawberries
To make toast, simply toast a slice of bread until it is crispy and golden brown. Then, top the toast with your desired toppings and enjoy!
The Bottom Line
Well, it’s safe to say that there are many healthy and satisfying snack options for late night. These snacks can provide sustained energy and support overall health, while also helping to regulate appetite and digestion. It's important to pay attention to portion sizes when snacking late at night to avoid overindulging, and to choose nourishing and satisfying snacks that can support your overall health.
Enjoy Snacking!