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SearchA registered dietitian explains why you might be craving late-night snacks and shares tips on how to prevent feeling hungry before bed.
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CLEVELAND - Do you struggle with late-night cravings?
While an occasional midnight snack is OK, there are risks of making it a habit.
“Eating before going to bed can cause acid reflux. In addition, if you consume a majority of your calories at the end of the day, studies suggest that you may be at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes because your body's not able to burn those calories off,” explained Beth Czerwony, RD, a registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic.
If you’re always hungry before bed, Czerwony said you might not be eating enough during the day.
She stresses not to skip any meals and recommends including a protein source with each one to help you feel fuller longer.
In general, you also want to make sure that you’re actually hungry before eating – especially at night.
Czerwony said you could just be bored and urges against making a habit out of mindless snacking while watching TV.
If your nighttime sweet tooth occasionally gets the best of you, it’s important to remember there are healthier options to satisfy your cravings.
“If you needed to have something sweet, maybe mix some berries and a couple tablespoons of granola with Greek yogurt,” Czerwony said. “You can also do a little peanut butter with an apple or have some cocoa dusted almonds.”
On your average day, Czerwony said it’s best to try to stop eating about three hours before you go to bed.
