(BPRW) 7 Late-Night Snacks that Slim You Down

(Black PR Wire) We’ve all awaken in the middle of the night with those late night cravings that just won’t go away.

Should you give in? The answer, which may surprise you, is yes.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing sinister about snacking long after the sun goes down – as long as you have healthy snacks to munch on and limit yourself to smaller portions.

Here a few suggestions to help you get started.

1. A Small Bowl Of Oatmeal Topped With A Few Slices Of Banana

Cereal is a snack that is craved in the wee hours of the morning. Instead of sugary cereal in milk, try oatmeal.

The grains in oatmeal increase your insulin levels, which causes your blood sugar levels to rise naturally.

This helps you fall back to sleep easier.

2. Half An Apple With 1 Ounce Of Low-Fat Cheese Or Peanut Butter

Apples are rich in vitamin C and B6, both of which can help lower your blood pressure and reduce stress after coming home from a long, hard day at work.

Not to mention, the sweetness of the apple, mixed with the tartness of cheese will help stop your sweet and savory tooth!

3. Cheese Quesadilla

Sprinkle some shredded low-fat cheese, in between a couple of high-fiber tortillas (not flour!), then crisp both sides on a cast-iron skillet or indoor grill like a George Foreman grill. 

The healthiest cheeses have just 3-5 grams of fat per ounce.

4. 10-12 Unsalted Pretzels

Not only are pretzels a great alternative to potato chips, but they also naturally increase your blood sugar and insulin levels, so you can fall asleep faster.

Add a glass of water after eating the pretzels and you’ll feel full…seriously.

5. 1 Banana With A Tablespoon Of Almond Butter

Bananas are loaded with potassium and magnesium – great for relaxing your muscles and nerves right before you go to bed.

6. A Handful Of Cherries With A ½ Cup Of Greek Yogurt

Cherries boost your body’s supply of melatonin, a hormone that’s known for inducing sleep. Or you could blend it up and make a smoothie.

7. A Small Portion Of Any Food

Instead of eating until you’re full or denying yourself your favorite meal, just eat a little bit of it. What is a little?

If it can’t fit in the palm of your hand (roughly three inches in diameter), it’s too much.

That way you eat what you want, but just not all of it.