The impact of late-night snacking

     Does your nightly routine include a "midnight snack?" If this applies to you, do you ever think about how late-night snacking may affect you?  First, it's important to take into account what your snack consists of. Although just because it may be a healthy snack, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be healthy for your body when it's consumed late at night. Let's dive in a little deeper on the positive and negative impacts.

    The negative impacts include weight effects, sleeping problems, mental health effects, digestive, and metabolic issues. Eating late at night will increase the risk of gaining weight. This is because your body may store the excess energy that you've consumed into fat instead of burning it. Your body's ability to process food also slows down at night which can then lead to inefficient calorie burning. Sleeping problems occur especially from foods that are high in fat and sugar. This can disrupt the natural melatonin production and will make it harder for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. From the poor sleep your body will be getting, during the daytime your memory can be impacted as well as your concentration. Immediately laying down after eating can cause your stomach acid to move along into your esophagus. This can lead to discomfort and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Late night snacking is also more likely to cause bloating. 

    If you are to correctly late-night snack, there may be a few benefits. Late- night snacking can help muscle recovery if you are eating the correct foods that are high in protein such as cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. Another snack that could be a positive to late-night snacking is eating a small and balanced snack with protein and/or fiber. In diabetics this can prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia. 


Fresh Popcorn in Bowl on White Wooden Table Stock Photo - Image of healthy, bowl: 74095340


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