What to Eat at Night When Hungry: 10 Healthy Snacks & 6 Delicious Meals

Introduction

Late-night snacking is sometimes unavoidable, especially if you’re feeling hungry after dinner or have a sudden craving for something sweet or salty. But what should you eat when cravings strike? While it’s tempting to reach for chips or ice cream, it’s important to choose healthy snacks and meals that will keep you full and energized throughout the night. Here are 10 healthy snacks and 6 delicious meals you can enjoy late at night without ruining your diet.

10 Healthy Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

When you’re looking for a snack that won’t ruin your diet, try one of these healthy options:

Nuts

Nuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The combination of protein and fiber helps keep you feeling full until morning. Try almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or cashews for a healthy snack that satisfies your late-night cravings. Just be sure to watch your portions; nuts are high in calories.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a great late-night snack because it’s low in calories and high in fiber. A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating popcorn can help reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. For a healthier version of popcorn, skip the butter and salt and opt for a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs instead.

Fruit

Fruits are naturally sweet and contain essential vitamins and minerals. Bananas, apples, oranges, pears, and berries make excellent late-night snacks. You can also try adding a tablespoon of nut butter to a banana for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein, making it an ideal late-night snack. Choose plain Greek yogurt and add your own toppings like fresh fruit or nuts for a healthy snack that’s full of flavor. For a special treat, try frozen Greek yogurt popsicles.

Cheese

Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and healthy fats. Choose low-fat cheese sticks or cubes for a satisfying late-night snack. Pair them with whole grain crackers or vegetables for an even healthier option.

Hard-boiled eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Hard-boiling eggs ahead of time makes them easy to grab when hunger strikes. Enjoy them plain or add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Hummus and vegetables

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are rich in fiber and protein. Pair hummus with crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery for a tasty and nourishing snack. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade hummus.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and can help satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content for maximum health benefits. Be careful not to overindulge, as dark chocolate is still high in calories and fat.

Whole grain crackers

Whole grain crackers are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Choose crackers with minimal added sugar and pair them with cheese or nut butter for a healthy and satisfying snack.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Combine frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and a handful of spinach for a nutrient-packed smoothie that will keep you full until morning.

5 Quick & Easy Snacks You Can Make in Minutes

If you don’t have time to prepare a full meal, try one of these quick and easy snacks:

Avocado toast

Avocado toast is a simple and delicious snack that takes just minutes to make. Spread mashed avocado on whole grain toast and top with a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper for a healthy snack that’s full of flavor.

Peanut butter and banana sandwich

This classic combo never gets old. Slather natural peanut butter on two slices of whole wheat bread and top with sliced bananas for a tasty snack that’s ready in minutes.

Trail mix

Combine your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for an easy and delicious snack. Skip the store-bought trail mix, which often contains added sugars, and make your own so you know exactly what’s in it.

Rice cakes with peanut butter

Rice cakes are a great source of complex carbohydrates and provide a crunchy texture. Top them with natural peanut butter for a tasty snack that’s high in protein and healthy fats.

Toast with nut butter and honey

Spread nut butter on whole grain toast and drizzle with honey for a sweet and satisfying snack. This combo is loaded with healthy fats and protein, making it the perfect late-night treat.

6 Delicious Ideas for Late-Night Meals

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, try one of these delicious ideas:

Omelette

Omelettes are a great way to get your daily dose of protein. Whisk together eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables for a tasty and nutritious meal. Serve with a side of whole grain toast for a balanced meal.

Grilled cheese sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food. Choose whole wheat bread and low-fat cheese for a healthier version of this childhood favorite. Add a few slices of tomato or some wilted spinach for an extra nutritional boost.

Soup and salad

A bowl of soup and a side salad make an excellent late-night meal. Choose a broth-based soup like miso or vegetable and top with a sprinkle of herbs for extra flavor. Serve with a simple green salad for a light and nourishing meal.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a great way to use up leftovers. Fill a whole wheat tortilla with black beans, cooked vegetables, and cheese for a delicious and filling meal. Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for an extra flavor boost.

Tuna salad wrap

Tuna salad is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, diced celery, and lemon juice. Spread the mixture on a whole wheat wrap and top with lettuce and tomatoes for a tasty and nutritious meal.

Veggie stir fry

Stir fries are a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and add your favorite vegetables along with some garlic and ginger. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

The Best Late-Night Snack Combos to Keep You Full

Craving something a little sweeter? Try one of these snack combos to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you full until morning:

Nuts and dark chocolate

Combining nuts and dark chocolate is a healthy and satisfying way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose a dark chocolate bar with 70% or higher cocoa content for maximum health benefits.

Toast with nut butter and banana

This classic combo is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and healthy fats. Spread natural nut butter on whole grain toast and top with sliced banana for a delicious and nutritious snack.

Hummus and vegetables

Hummus is a great source of protein and fiber. Pair it with crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery for a tasty and nourishing snack.

Fruit and yogurt

Fruit and yogurt make an excellent late-night snack. Choose plain Greek yogurt and top with fresh fruit for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Cheese and crackers

Cheese and crackers are a great source of protein and complex carbohydrates. Choose low-fat cheese and look for crackers made with whole grains for a healthier version of this classic combo.

Popcorn and hard-boiled eggs

This combo is full of protein and fiber, making it an ideal late-night snack. Enjoy a small bowl of air-popped popcorn and a hard-boiled egg for a nutritious snack that will keep you full until morning.

8 Nutritious Foods to Eat at Night When You’re Hungry

When hunger strikes late at night, it’s important to choose nutritious foods that will keep you full and energized. Try one of these healthy options:

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium. Choose plain Greek yogurt and add your own toppings like fresh fruit or nuts for a healthy snack that’s full of flavor.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Cook a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge so you can quickly reheat it when hunger strikes.

Chia pudding

Chia pudding is a delicious and nutritious snack. Soak chia seeds in almond milk overnight and top with fresh fruit and nuts in the morning for a tasty and filling snack.

Celery and almond butter

Celery is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin K. Spread celery sticks with natural almond butter for a satisfying snack that’s full of healthy fats and protein.

Protein shake

Protein shakes are a great way to get your daily dose of protein. Blend together your favorite protein powder with almond milk, frozen fruit, and a handful of spinach for a nutrient-packed shake.

Apple slices and peanut butter

Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C. Slice an apple and spread natural peanut butter on top for a sweet and satisfying snack.

Edamame

Edamame is a great source of protein and fiber. Steam edamame pods and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a tasty and nutritious snack.

Air-popped popcorn

Popcorn is a great late-night snack because it’s low in calories and high in fiber. Choose air-popped popcorn and avoid the microwaveable kind, which often contains added sugar and fat.

4 Creative Recipes for Late-Night Binge Eating

If you’re looking for a creative way to indulge your late-night cravings, try one of these recipes:

Avocado toast with poached egg

Avocado toast is a great way to get your daily dose of healthy fats. Spread mashed avocado on whole grain toast and top with a poached egg for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Sweet potato fries with Greek yogurt dip

Sweet potato fries are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges and bake in the oven until crispy. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with herbs and spices for a tasty and satisfying snack.

Chocolate hummus and fruit

Chocolate hummus is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without ruining your diet. Combine chickpeas, cocoa powder, and maple syrup in a food processor and serve with fresh fruit for a healthy and delicious snack.

Peanut butter, banana, and honey quesadilla

This quesadilla is a great way to use up any leftover ingredients in your kitchen. Spread peanut butter and honey on a whole wheat tortilla and top with sliced banana. Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a skillet until golden brown.

Conclusion

Late-night snacking doesn’t have to mean unhealthy choices. With these 10 healthy snacks and 6 delicious meals, you can satisfy your cravings without ruining your diet. Remember to always choose nutritious foods that will keep you full and energized until morning.