Midnight Snacking - The Good Or Bad!

The hormonal balance responsible for a healthy sleep, appetite control and stress response is the reason behind your late night cravings. It can either be a one off instance or a regular occurrence. Your body metabolism is the lowest at night; hence, consumption of foods such as white bread, sugar, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc. gets converted into fat. This contributes to weight gain. Furthermore, people with midnight snacking habits are more likely to suffer from depression, low self-esteem, and insomnia.

Fiber rich foods help you to feel full for a longer period of time. They are low in calories, and thus help prevent weight gain. Soluble fiber helps to maintain blood sugar level and insoluble fiber caters to your stomach, feeling full. Including non-starchy vegetables in your diet can keep midnight hunger pangs at bay. If you have an early dinner, try postponing that by an hour or two. Having a late dinner can help reduce hunger pangs during midnight.

According to a study conducted by "The Journal of Thyroid Research", when you indulge in late night snacks, your body's insulin and blood sugar level produce extreme hunger the next morning. Stretching this habit of midnight devouring can not only make you gain more weight but can also make you weak and low on energy throughout the day.

Healthy meals at regular intervals help keep your blood sugar level in check so that you don't crave for fats and sugar late at night. Include more of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains but also make sure to have lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Having breakfast within an hour and a half of waking up, coupled with healthy mid morning and mid afternoon snacks are ideal ways to reduce your midnight snacking habits.