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It’s late. You’re hungry. 9 midnight snacks you can eat without sabotaging your sleep.

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Late-night snacking has a bad reputation — and for good reason, to be honest. It can mess with your sleep and your digestion (triggering acid reflux, in particular). And rather than reaching for celery sticks and carrots, people tend to gravitate toward less-than-healthy choices — namely, foods high in fat, salt and sugar like chips, crackers and cookies — when snacking after dark.

But when it’s 10 p.m., you’re bingeing your favorite Netflix series and that late-night craving for something strikes, it can be hard to fight that urge and not make a beeline for the pantry or fridge. The good news is: Late-night bites don’t have to be off the table.

Finding the perfect bedtime snack can be part of a healthy lifestyle. The trick is to find something you can nosh on that will satisfy you without robbing you of a good night’s rest. That means avoiding high-fat, spicy or acidic foods that can keep you up, and instead choosing ones that are high in tryptophan, antioxidants, melatonin and micronutrients. Other good options include snacks with fiber and protein to help stabilize blood sugar and keep you sated until it’s time to break the fast.

Here’s a list of 9 midnight snacks that fit the bill:

Greek yogurt and tart cherry juice

“Greek yogurt has magnesium and zinc, which are two minerals that help with sleep,” Leah Murnane, a dietitian and owner of Lettuce Eat Dessert, tells Yahoo. Combine that with a small glass of tart cherry juice, which has natural melatonin, “helping you fall asleep and stay asleep,” she says.

Have kiwi with string cheese for some filling protein. (Getty Images)

Kiwi and string cheese

Kiwi is a natural source of melatonin, which plays an important role in our sleep cycles. Julie Pace, a dietitian and owner of Core Nutrition Health and Wellness, says, “Studies suggest [kiwi] can help you fall asleep faster and improve your quality of sleep. Plus, with kiwi, you get the added benefit of vitamin C to support collagen production while you sleep.” Pair it with string cheese for a boost of protein.

Banana and nut butter

Bananas are rich in tryptophan and magnesium, which help your body relax and prepare for sleep. Almonds contain melatonin, while peanuts are high in vitamin E and magnesium. Peanut butter, in particular, has been shown to improve sleep quality. “This combo offers natural carbs, healthy fats and a little protein to help stabilize blood sugar and keep you satisfied,” Pace says.

Bananas and nut butter make for a satisfying late-night snack. (Getty Images)

Turkey and cheese sandwich

Half of a turkey-and-cheese sandwich on whole-grain bread gives you a well-rounded and filling snack full of protein, fiber and sleep-inducing tryptophan.

Graham crackers and a glass of milk

Eating a balanced diet that includes milk and other dairy may improve sleep quality. Pair a cup of milk with a few graham crackers for a satisfying snack.

Cottage cheese is full of protein to keep you satisfied, while antioxidant-rich berries add some sweetness. (Getty Images)

Cottage cheese and berries

Simple, creamy and delicious, this antioxidant-rich combo is hard to beat.

Hard-boiled egg and mixed nuts

If you’re a regular late-night snacker, prepare a few hard-boiled eggs in advance so you have them at the ready. Enjoy with a small handful of your favorite mixed nuts for extra protein.

Hard-boiled eggs are a small but mighty snack. Pair them with a small handful of mixed nuts for a protein-rich late-night nibble. (Getty Images)

Whole wheat toast and mashed avocado

This snack is full of filling fiber, healthy fat and B vitamins.

High-fiber cereal with milk

Want a snack option that’s quick and easy? Choose a high-fiber cereal with low added sugar and top with your favorite milk.

Katie Drakeford is a registered dietitian and freelance nutrition writer based in Oklahoma City, Okla.



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