21 Easy Healthy Late Night Snack Ideas

Whether or not we are on a diet, eating large meals that are high in fat and sugar before we go to sleep can be devastating on our health and figure if done habitually. Most types of food is fine for a late night snack as long as we mind our portions and steer away from snacks that fall more on the extreme side of fat and sugar content. Here are twenty ideas to consider keeping stocked in your cabinets and fridge for the next time you get the late night munchies. Here are 21 Late Night Snack Ideas.

1. Turkey lettuce roll-ups
Turkey is high in protein and low in fat. It also has a substance that is known to induce sleepiness. Roll a few finger sized strips of turkey within a generous piece of lettuce. Add a small piece of tomato, mustard, or salad dressing for moisture.

2. Banana
Bananas are high in fiber, potassium, Vitamin B6 and folate. They also make a convenient snack that are low in calories and can sate a sweet tooth. The average size banana has about 1 gram of protein.

3. Popsicle
A sugar-free popsicle that is fortified with vitamin C is a healthy alternative to late night ice cream cravings. Eat them for a guilt free fruity treat on summer nights.

4. Soup
Keep the old fashioned condensed style soups on hand for when you need to snack on something substantial. They are perfect for a late night snack because they are simple to prepare and relaxing on the stomach. One can makes enough for two, so if you’re eating alone make sure to save the other half for later.

5. Sugar free soy milk
Calcium fortified soy milk is creamy and frothy just like regular milk with less calories and fat. Pick a sugar free chocolate, strawberry or vanilla flavored soy milk and your set to go; all you need to do is pour it into a glass and drink.

6. Celery sticks and peanut butter
Peanut butter and celery is a classic combination that will put you in crunchy creamy heaven. Celery sticks have only six to 8 calories each! Peanut butter has considerably more, but you won’t need much to top a couple celery sticks. The protein in the peanut butter and fiber in the celery makes this snack satisfying and filling.

7. An oatmeal cookie
Cookies aren’t so bad if you only eat one. Oatmeal cookies are one of the better choices because they are made with whole oats, which take longer to digest and hit the blood stream than cookies that are purely made with flour. Try making your own cookies so that you can control how much sugar is used. Add raisins for a natural sweetener.

8. Shredded wheat cereal
Most cereals are not the best choice for a late night snack because they instantly convert into energy when you are least active. However, low sugar whole grain or whole wheat cereals are a convenient option if you eat a small amount that is about the size of your fist.

9. Single serve Yogurt
Yogurt is high in protein, vitamins, and probiotic cultures that aid in digestion. It saves the night for when you’re craving something sweet to savor. Yogurt also makes an interesting snack since they tend to many assortments that can accommodate whatever flavor you may be craving.

10. Hard boiled egg
Keep a small batch of hardboiled eggs on hand in your fridge. You only need to eat one egg to push back your appetite for the night. Eggs average about 80 calories each with six grams of protein. They are particularly beneficial for eyesight and concentration.

11. Portioned snacks
Many of our favorite convenient foods can be found packaged in snack sized portions that range between 100 to 150 calories each. You can also take any type of snack that you like and portion them off yourself with small plastic sandwich bags.

12. Sugar-free jello
Jello is a low calorie lightweight snack that is often found sugar-free. This is a good option for when you just want something tasty and refreshing to enjoy. If you are slightly hungry mix in a small amount of whatever fruit you may have on hand.

13. Warm oatmeal
It only takes three minutes to make a small bowl of oatmeal in the microwave. Oatmeal helps to lower cholesterol, fills you up, and warms you up from the inside. For added sweetness, mix in a small amount of honey, cinnamon, or fruit.

14. Almonds
A small handful of almonds goes a long way and is fun to munch on. They help to kick the hunger pains any time of day because they are high in protein that is slow to digest. Almonds are considered a super food that is beneficial for heart health because they are high in protein, potassium, vitamin E, and help to regulate the body’s cholesterol levels. For an extra healthy snack eat them raw or salt free.

15. Popcorn
Popcorn can either be really bad for you or it can be a wise choice for snacking. It all boils down to what you in it. Plain simple popcorn still tastes delicious and is low in calories. If you want to add some flavor try experimenting with herbs and spices instead of salt and butter.

16. Salad
When you’re especially hungry the best way to eat healthy and fill the stomach to your content is to eat plenty of raw vegetables. Get in the habit of keeping a premixed salad blend of greens on hand so that you can whip up a salad without fuss.

17. Vine ripened tomato
Organic or homegrown tomatoes pack so much juicy flavor that they can be enjoyed when eaten alone. Simply slice them up and eat them plain with or without a small amount of salt. If you are in the mood for something fancier, sprinkle on top a scant amount of parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil and basil.

18. Toasted bagel and cream cheese
The trick to this is to buy the mini bagels and top them with fat free cream cheese. Mini bagels are significantly smaller than the regular sized bagels that are dense in flour and carbohydrates.

19. Raw vegetables and hummus
Hummus is a Mediterranean fresh dip that can be found in the refrigerated deli section next to feta and other specialty cheeses. It is a blended concoction of pureed garbanzo or fava beans and sesame seed paste. Hummus is an alternative to dips that are higher in fat, and goes best with raw vegetables or pita bread strips.

20. Cheese and low fat crackers
A serving of about five to six crackers with a thin slice of cheese on top can provide a small snack that does not go overboard in fat and calories. A thin sliver of sharp aged cheese will deliver more flavor than a thick piece of regular cheese.

 

21. Fruit salad
In the same grocery isle that you can find sugar-free jello and pudding, you can find small cups of assorted fruit. They are an inexpensive second alternative to fresh fruit and require no preparation. Make sure that you stick to the single serve containers that are labeled either “light” or “no sugar added”.