The jury is still out on whether eating late at night leads to weight gain. But one thing is certain: if you want to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. The number of calories you consume or cut per day makes a big difference.
But when late-night hunger pangs strike, we recommend grabbing one of these 5 healthy snacks for weight loss.They are not only low in calories but taste amazing!
5 healthy snacks
1. Avocado with cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is packed with natural protein and fills you up without a lot of calories. A high-protein diet (consisting of dairy products, among other things) has been shown to lead to weight loss.(1)Cottage cheese also contains the essential amino acid tryptophan. This calms the nervous system and makes it easier to fall asleep. Tip: If you add a little avocado to your cottage cheese, you provide your body with high-quality fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fats are good for your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.(2)
2. Carrot sticks with hummus dip
Baby carrots or carrot sticks with two tablespoons of hummus – this healthy snack is ideal for weight loss. Valuable fatty acids, high-quality protein and fiber leave you feeling full without weighing down your stomach.
3. Apple slices with peanut butter
If you get hungry before bedtime, cut an apple into slices and put one or two teaspoons of peanut butter on top. Simple but delicious! Just make sure to use natural peanut butter. It shouldn’t contain any palm oil, sugar or other additives.
4. Greek yogurt with blueberries
Did you know that blueberries are a very nutrient-rich fruit? They contain plenty of antioxidants, which have a positive effect on your immune system. They are also low in calories. Together with Greek yogurt they make for a high-protein, low-calorie snack that keeps your body supplied with nutrients overnight.
Simply substitute soy yogurt for the Greek yogurt. One serving (250 g) provides you with 10 g of protein.
5. Whole grain toast with ham
A slice of whole grain toast with two slices of low-fat ham can satisfy small cravings before going to bed. This healthy snack also has the added bonus of being low in calories (just 150 calories per serving), thus making it perfect for weight loss. Plus, it provides you with 10 g of protein. Try adding a few slices of cucumber or tomato for a little extra nutrition.
Are you also interested in a healthy weight loss drink to go with your bedtime snack? Then give one of these 5 drinks for a good night’s sleep a try.
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