10 healthy late-night snacks

Midnight hunger pangs? With these eats, you're bound to see a happier, thinner you appear in no time.

Author:
Nate Millado
Feb 22, 2021

What goes better with Corden, Meyers, and Kimmel than Ben & Jerry's and Jimmy John's? Not much else when you've got the late-night munchies, but guess what? "When you overeat before bed, your body is much more likely to store those calories as fat," says nutritionist Manuel Villacorta, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

That doesn't mean you have to go to bed starving. It means you need to snack right. You want to stick to less than 300 calories—anything more is a meal—and wait at least an hour before hitting the sack so you have plenty of time to digest. With these eats, you're bound to see a happier, thinner you appear in no time.

Strawberry shake

Blend kefir (it's like a liquid yogurt), strawberries, and a teaspoon of honey for a refreshing protein shake that's also chock-full of digestion-enhancing probiotics.

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Frozen blueberries

A cup of the fruit is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and more than 4 grams of fiber. For a richer snack, top them with a little light whipping cream.

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Yogurt cubes

If you're an ice cream lover, try this lean alternative: Pour a homemade smoothie (like the kefir-strawberry mixture above) into ice cube trays, then freeze until slushy.

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Multigrain pretzels

Whether in stick or twist form, pretzels are a surprisingly good alternative to chips. One ounce—about a handful—boasts just over 100 calories. To add some metabolism-revving protein, dunk 'em in yogurt.

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Crackers

For a nutty snack, try Ak-mak crackers (made of stone-ground sesame seeds), multigrain Wasa crackers, or low-fat rye mini toasts. Spread on some hummus or light cheese, or eat with a small slice of lean lunch meat.

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Cheese quesadilla

Sprinkle some grated low-fat cheese, like Jarlesberg light, in between a couple of high-fiber tortillas, then crisp both sides on a cast-iron skillet or indoor grill. The healthiest cheeses have just 3-5 grams of fat per ounce.

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Popcorn

Choose 100-calorie packs of 94% fat-free microwave popcorn. Or air-pop your own. Skip the butter. Instead, raid your spice cabinet: Use lime powder for tang, cayenne pepper for heat, or a dash of cinnamon for sweetness.

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