It can be frustrating to feel your stomach grumble at three in the afternoon or at midnight. Don’t worry, you can fill your appetite without reaching for your favorite junk food. To help keep your snacking habits healthy, get your recipe notebook and take note of these foods below.
Lemonade
Sometimes, you misinterpret feeling thirsty for being hungry. Before you grab food, drink a glass of lemonade. You’ll be surprised that it’s the only thing you need to keep your blood sugar balanced.
Lemonade is a great snack because it detoxifies your body. It also contains chromium to balance your sugar level. If you want an extra zing of flavor, you can add some cinnamon.
Pistachios
If you’re not watching your calories, reach for in-shell pistachios when you crave for something to eat. This power snack will help you go back to sleep especially if you eat it in the middle of the night thanks to melatonin, an important nutrient which gives you deep sleep. Even a handful of pistachios will give you a massive amount of nutrients. You won’t even need to reach for your melatonin supplement anymore.
Berries
Nothing is better than snacking on frozen berries in the middle of a hot afternoon. Berries are the perfect snacks for people who don’t want a lot of calories. These fruits have low glycemic content, and won’t affect your blood sugar. Therefore, it’s convenient to munch on berries if you want to curb your sweet tooth. Not only are berries yummy, but they are also high in antioxidants.
Pumpkin seeds
If you’re sick of snacking on pistachios, you can mix it up by eating pumping seeds as a snack. This food will help you feel full without disrupting your sleepiness thanks to tryptophan.
You might want to keep a small bowl of pumpkin seeds beside your bed if you want to keep yourself from binging on unhealthy foods in the middle of the night. This way, you’ll stay occupied and be able to resist the temptation of getting a bag of chips loaded with sodium.
Yogurt with Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most helpful foods to block your cravings. However, you can’t exactly eat cinnamon as it is. Mix cinnamon with plain yogurt to give it a deeper flavor. This protein-dense snack will make you feel like you are eating dessert. If you want to add some sweetness, you can put a tablespoon of honey or stevia. You can even dip crackers or slices of apple on this tasty snack.
Bento box meal
If you want something more than a snack to fill your grumbling stomach, get yourself a bento box. This way, you can get a perfectly portioned snack every time. Fill each portion of your bento box with fruits, nuts, and veggies. You’ll surely feel great after each bite.
Chia pudding
Chia seeds absorb 10 times more liquid than its size so it will keep you satiated and hydrated for a long time. Always keep several jars of chia seeds soaked in plant milk in your fridge. This way, you can easily grab a glass of chia pudding, mix it with fruits, and eat it as a snack easily. This food is an amazing option for people who want to be full but don’t have the time to prepare meals.
Snack Away
Snacks are a godsend; but just like other things in life, remember to consume them in moderation. To beat your snack cravings, eat two hours before you go to bed, or get a filling lunch. If you’re still hungry after these meals, you might be eating the wrong type of foods. A rule of thumb is to incorporate healthy fats and protein in your meals. This way, your afternoon nap and night’s sleep won’t be interrupted by cravings.
If you can’t help binging, be creative as much as possible. You can mix the different food suggestions mentioned in this article for a filling and nutritious snack.
