There are things that we simply aren’t supposed to be consuming before we get under the covers if we want to promote a lean body and healthy sleep. Items like alcohol, pizza, and ice cream are traditional no-no’s that most people know aren’t the healthiest and don’t do a good job keeping weight under control or promote sound sleep. However, that begs the question; What food is good for us to eat at night before we go to bed?
We are looking for foods that give us a lean body mass, but are also helpful for sleeping, and at the least, not disruptive to our sleep. When our bodies don’t feel rested, they tend to crave unhealthy carbohydrates and fats which are the opposite of what we want. So that being said, here are 7 foods that fit into this role.
Pistachios
Nuts themselves are highly nutritious and promote a healthy, lean body. They’re a great source of fiber, B vitamins, Folate and more. Pistachios are the most nutrient dense nuts for the least amount of calories, so they are a great choice to eat shortly before sleeping.
Almonds are also good for improving cholesterol and triglycerides and they contain Magnesium which is a well known as a sleeping aid. Some people claim that Almonds might be a bad choice because they are high in fat, but there’s a common misconception that fats aren’t healthy.
It sounds strange but in many cases, we need fat to burn fat. The fat burning protein hormone Adiponectin is actually secreted when we eat certain good fats.
Avocado
Here is another good fat! Everyone has probably heard the “good fat” term by now. Well, it’s true. In fact, by eating certain good fat foods, including avocado, it can actually help our body to burn off fat.
Avocados also have Magnesium in them, which we mentioned above as being a wonderful aid for sleep. So go ahead and make some Guacamole or put avocados on whole grain crackers with turkey after 7 PM.
White Meat Turkey
A slice or two of white meat turkey on top of whole grain crackers is a great option for a late night meal. Turkey is a lean protein, promotes lean body mass, and contains Tryptophan which will help you get to sleep.
Whole Grain Crackers
Eating healthier Carbohydrate foods at night like whole-grain crackers in conjunction with tryptophan-containing foods like Turkey, eggs, or pumpkin seeds assists our brain in using the Tryptophan which promotes better sleep.
Greek Yogurt
Greek Yogurt is good for our digestive system with its probiotics, it promotes lean body mass to speed up our metabolism, and it’s filling. It’s also delicious and convenient so this is an easy one to add into the after 7 PM list. We suggest getting the no sugar added Greek Yogurt.
Cherries
Besides being delicious, Cherries are one of the only fruits that contain Melatonin which is a hormone naturally produced by our pineal gland to help us sleep. Cherries are a low-calorie food that doubles as a sleep aid, so it’s a nice food choice to have before bed.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a filling, high protein, no carb choice that promotes lean body mass. It will help our bodies to speed up our metabolism and at the same time, help us sleep well.
These foods will surely help to keep your body lean, while also giving you a tasty snack to nosh on before you hit the sack that won’t disrupt your sleeping. In many cases, these 7 foods will help you sleep!