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5 bedtime snack mistakes that can wreck your sleep

Krissy Brady, CookingLight.com on

Published in Health & Fitness

Most people can forgo protein before bed and stick with a small amount of carbs and healthy fats to satisfy their hunger. “Protein revs up our metabolism, which is great during the day, but not so great when you’re trying to wind down,” says Minnesota-based registered dietitian Leah Kleinschrodt, R.D. However, she adds, some people do need some protein at night to help stabilize their blood sugar.

The fix: Aim for about 2 ounces of protein (15 grams) before bed.

4. Snacking right before bed.

Getting your snack on just before bed can delay your ability to fall asleep, since your body will be busy digesting the grub. And if you’re lying down as your stomach’s doing its thing, gravity can’t help mosey the digested food through the digestive tract, which can cause an upset stomach during the night, says Kleinschrodt.

The fix: Make sure you have your bedtime snack no later than 30 minutes before you turn in.

5. Going to bed hungry.

 

Much like being too full can mess with your ability to fall asleep, so can being too, well, empty. Hunger is a sign that your blood sugar is trending downward or already low. Not exactly an ideal state when you’re trying to score some shut-eye.

The fix: Munch on 1/2 cup of berries with 2-3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream.

(Cooking Light empowers people to cook more for good health. Online at www.cookinglight.com.)

©2021 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


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