By: Katy Siwirski

From early morning risers to late night prowlers, it can be agreed that once we finally decide to lay our heads down, we want to sleep. But did you know that the food you eat before bed can affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep? There’s nothing wrong with a nighttime snack, but choose wisely, or else you may be tossing and turning in bed for a while. Here are some foods to avoid late at night.

Red Meat

Red meat is loaded with protein and fats that will make your body work hard throughout the night. If you want a good night’s sleep, you want your body to be at rest when you go to sleep. Meat takes longer to digest than any other food, so it is best to avoid them at nighttime. This is not saying to avoid red meat, all together. Red meats have high levels of iron and tryptophan, which is important for one’s daily intake of food. Simply avoid this type of food close to bedtime.

Cereal

Most cereals are high in sugar and carbohydrates. This can cause a spike and crash in your blood sugar levels, leaving your body feeling very off. This is not a good way to maintain your levels before bedtime. If you feel like cereal is the answer for your late night snack, pick a cereal with whole grains and low levels of sugar.

Chocolate

Chocolate is loaded with calories, sugar, and caffeine. It’s not particularly a very filling snack, either. You may crave it, but that doesn’t mean you’re hungry. Your sweet tooth is simply looking for some attention. Chocolate also contains stimulants, such as theobromine, which is known to increase one’s heart rate. If you insist on satisfying this craving at night, give white chocolate a try. It does not contain theobromine and usually has low caffeine levels.

Spicy Foods

Spices are a natural cure for a variety of ailments, but should be avoided when craving something late at night. Spicy food may upset your stomach, which is never fun when trying to peacefully fall asleep. Chemicals in spicy food may also stimulate your senses, which will make it even harder to fall asleep. Most of these foods are high in fat and calories, too. If you can’t satisfy your late night craving for spicy food, try making a cheese quesadilla with corn tortillas, low-fat cheese, and cooking spray. If that isn’t enough, there are low calorie frozen burritos out there that can satisfy that spicy desire.

Chicken

Chicken works alongside with red meats on the nighttime snack list. Chicken is loaded with protein that will force your body to work harder during the night while you are trying to rest. It is said that your body digests food 50% slower when you are asleep, compared to when you are awake. Once again, do not avoid chicken all together. Chicken aids in maintaining vitamin and mineral levels, losing weight, and reducing the risk of cancer. Simply avoid eating chicken when you’re about to go to bed.

There are a variety of benefits and disadvantages of food, but it is important to be careful with what you consume before bedtime. It is also recommended to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and soda before bedtime. These three things work alongside each other for the fact that they are usually empty calories that can trigger heartburn and stomach aches. If you really are craving something to drink before bed, try low or non-fat milk, hot tea, or water. It may not satisfy your cravings, but you’ll definitely get a better night of sleep, and that’s what matters most.