Healthy Late-Night Snacks
Not ready to go to bed and still feel a bit hungry? Try these healthy, easy-to-make snacks!
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I love snacking late at night. I think it gives me comfort when I really should be asleep in bed.
Despite being a late-night snacker, a trait usually associated with indulgences like ice cream, leftover pizza, or potato chips, I like to continue my healthy eating into the evening. No late-night junk food binges for me. So what does a health nut recommend for satiating a late-night snack attack? Read on to find out.
Related: 10 Dietitians Share Their Tips to Add More Plant-Based Protein to Your Diet
Popcorn
Freshly popped, of course. (Popping your own popcorn takes only a few minutes, tastes fresher, and is healthier than most microwave popcorn.) Popcorn is full of fiber, and will make you feel full quickly. Plus, when you pop it fresh, you have creative freedom with the toppings. My favorite popcorn topping is a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or melted coconut oil mixed with nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper, and sea salt.
Kale Chips
These healthy green chips are all the rage right now, and for good reason. Raw or baked kale chips provide the familiar crunch and flavor of fried potato or tortilla chips, without all the extra calories and refined oils. I prefer raw kale chips to baked, but either way, kale chips are easy to make at home in the oven or dehydrator. Here’s a super recipe for raw kale chips using a dehydrator: Crispy Kale Chips. For a baked version, try Crispy Kale Leaves. There are also tasty options for packaged kale chips on the market now, and they come in a wide variety of flavors. One to try: Brad’s Raw Leafy Kale Chips: Nacho.
Homemade Hummus with Crudité
I’m a big fan of hummus, but I typically avoid store-bought varieties because of their high oil content and preservatives. Try making a simple, freestyle hummus at home in a food processor with 2 cups cooked chickpeas, a tablespoon or two of tahini, lemon juice, and water. The texture is creamy and satisfying, and the dip is bursting with flavor. Add special touches such as garlic, cumin, cayenne, paprika, or fennel and enjoy it with raw vegetables instead of pita chips.