The way your metabolism works has a great impact on your weight. Better the metabolism rate, better is the speed and scale of weight loss. Metabolism refers to a series of chemical transformations that occur inside the human body to sustain life. During this process, calories contained in the food and beverages that we ingest are combined with oxygen to release the energy our body needs for various functions. Our body's metabolic rate is directly linked to the calories we are able to burn. Hence, eating such foods that may help in boosting metabolism may help rev up the weight loss process. It is said that one should eat light at night. And most of us try to follow the light-dinner regime when trying to lose weight. Sadly, many times the tactic backfires when we overstep our sleeping time, and hunger strikes again. We can't eat light, be awake till late night and then sleep on a growling stomach. Can we? For these times, here are some healthy snacking options that you can have without blowing off your weight loss diet. In fact, these foods will actually rev up your metabolism while you are resting.
Eating a light, small but nutrient-dense snack at night might provide with the energy you need for metabolic functions while you are sleeping. Include fibre, proteins and even complex carbs in your night meal, which should not be more than 200 calories. According to a study by Cambridge University, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, consuming 30 grams of protein before 30 minutes of hitting the bed can boost the metabolism of physically active people.
(Also Read: These 6 Drinks Just Before Bedtime To Lose Weight Fast!)
The next time you feel like eating something before sleeping, avoid junk food.
Here Are 5 Healthy Snacks You Can Have For Midnight Cravings
1.Banana
Banana is a sweet healthy fruit made up of quick-digestive carbohydrates. It is apt to have before bed when fast digestion is necessary to avoid weight gain. No need to cook, assemble or plate; just pick up a banana, peel it and wolf it down before heading to sleep.
(Also Read: 5 Bedtime Rituals You Need To Follow To Lose Weight)
Bananas are made up of quick digestive carbohydrates.
2. Cucumber Sticks With Hummus
Cucumber is a weight-loss-friendly food; we all know this. Paired with hummus, it can make for a fulfilling snack. Hummus is made of chickpeas, which contains B vitamins that help body metabolise carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and use the stored energy in food.
3. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a low-fat, low-calorie food with just the right amount of proteins that you can have at night before going to sleep.
4. Yogurt with Fruits
This dish can double up as a dessert and as a snack. Yogurt with fruits strike an interesting balance to the sour flavour of yogurt and sweet flavours from fruits. Add apples, grapes, bananas to your yogurt. If you like it a bit tarty, add fruits like blueberries and cranberries.
Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious snack.
5. Peanut Butter Toast
This dish is already a hit with most of us. Knowing that we can eat it guilt-free at night makes this indulgent snack even better. Peanut butter is a great source of nutrients like proteins. Just remember to use multigrain bread or whole wheat bread with good quality fibre and carbs for the toast.
These healthy, protein-rich snacks are all you need to satiate your midnight cravings. Sleep peacefully knowing that you'll actually be losing some weight while getting your nap.