Eating regularly keeps your body's metabolism going. That's why we recommend supplementing your 3 main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with more nutritious snacks in between. Not by adding snacks as an extra on top of your diet, but by spreading your calorie intake more evenly throughout the day.
Not just between main meals, but also after dinner, you'll likely feel hungry again. Pizza, ice cream and crisps obviously aren't the best choice for your body at that point. Right before bed - when your body is winding down and burning fewer calories - it's best to go for the right snacks.
No worries! You can perfectly satisfy a late-night hunger without worrying about your waistline. We'll help you on your way!
Snacking before bed
Just like during the day, try to stay ahead of hunger by eating regularly. Feeling hungry is exactly what makes you reach for less nutritious options.
A few general principles:
- Avoid snacks that are too high in calories
- Avoid added sugars and fats
- Avoid caffeine
- Go for protein and fibre (they help you feel full)
- Eat in moderation, don't turn it into a second dinner
- Eat half an hour before you go to bed
- Choose 'fresh'
A few examples
Low-fat yoghurt with fruit
Low in calories, low in fat and packed with vitamins! As an alternative to fresh fruit, try frozen fruit. An ideal swap for ice cream.
You can alternate the low-fat yoghurt with low-fat cottage cheese (quark).
Eggs in any shape
Eggs are packed with protein and help repair your muscles. They're also rich in a whole range of vitamins: A, B2, B12, D, E and K.
A handful of 'plain' nuts
A handful of 'plain' nuts or a nut bar: these contain a dose of antioxidants before bedtime that help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Thanks to their nutritious fats and fibre, they quickly give you a full feeling.
Wholegrain bread or crackers with toppings
Choose lean toppings such as chicken breast, low-fat cheese...
Vegetables
Just like fruit, raw vegetables are an ideal choice at any time of day: fibre, vitamins and low in calories.
Popcorn when you want a little something extra
And we're not talking about the popcorn you buy at the shop or the cinema - both the salty and sweet versions contain quite a lot of calories. It goes without saying that you're better off avoiding both sweet and overly salty options before bed.
Just make your own popcorn and season it with paprika powder, garlic powder or other herbs you enjoy. Keep the amount of popcorn to 2 or 3 small cups.
A more nutritious snack bar
Deliciously easy and full of flavour. Choose snacks that contain enough fibre and protein. Discover the JustBite range or get in touch with one of our snack experts.
What tasty, more nutritious snacks do you eat before bed? Let us know by leaving a comment on this page.