As the late night dining capital of the country and a food truck population that seems to rival the shore’s Spring Break population, it’s hard for New Jerseyans to stop eating after dinner.
We get it—your brain tells you to hit the sack but your tummy tells you it wants some snacks. The reason for this habit is pretty straightforward. When the body completes the digestion process of the dinner we ate at 6 p.m., it can feel like more is needed.
Do your best to skip the late night snack scene, but if you must munch:
1. Justify it. Before eating ask yourself, “Am I stressed, thirsty or bored?” If the answer is yes, put the Panini down.
2. Make it healthy. Fill up on nutritious foods, like whole grains, fruits and veggies, and lean protein. Try a whole grain PB&J for a filling late night fix.
3. Keep it light. Heavy foods, like pasta and pizza, can negatively affect your quality of sleep.
4. Take it slow. Take a breath between bites. The slower you eat, the less you eat, according to the Association for the Study of Obesity.
5. Plan it. Extra pounds have more to do with calorie count than late night noshing. Leave an extra 250-300 calories if you plan to munch at midnight.
6. Brush before bed. Schedule your brushing sessions right before bed to prevent snack bacteria from sitting on teeth overnight.
Munch in moderation and snack safe for sweet dreams!