It turns out that having a snack long after dinner isn’t inherently bad for you. What can be bad, however, is eating the wrong things just before bed.
A general rule of thumb is to choose snacks that are higher in protein or fiber rather than sugar and carbohydrates. Beyond that, though, we need something that is tasty and satisfying—or we’ll just keep snacking.
Here are a few healthier alternatives to what you might be craving late at night.
| Instead of: | Try this: |
| Potato chips or pretzels | Pistachios, roasted pumpkin seeds: Salty and crunchy, and also packed with protein |
| Chewy candies | Goji berries, tart cherries: Chewy and sweet, and also nutritious superfoods |
| Ice cream | Greek yogurt, protein smoothie: Cold and sweet, and also has probiotics or protein |
| Sandwich | Whole wheat toast with peanut butter, carrots with hummus: Savory and filling, and also fiber and protein-rich |
| Chocolate | Almond butter with banana or dates: Rich and sweet, and also has fiber and healthy fats |
You know your tastes best, so let your palate be your guide for the healthy goodies to keep handy in your kitchen.