What Are The Best Food Options to Eat Before Bed?
There is a bit of controversy around eating before bed time. I am sure you have heard do not eat before bed because it effects weight loss, or even as far as that you will gain weight if you eat late at night. Oh and not to forget you are not allowed to eat after 6 or 7pm in the evening because it will go right to your butt or thighs. Well I have indeed some good news for you, so much so that there are certain foods that you can have in the evening that will actually aid and help you weight loss goals. All it comes down to is knowing which foods to choose, and knowing is half the battle. So what are the best food options to eat before bed? let's start off with an easy one, avoid carbs before bed in exchange for high-quality protein. The reason behind this is due to the fact that carbohydrates cause a significant rise in the hormone insulin (which is what causes fat storage) therefore, putting the brakes on your fat-burning results. So this is where protein comes into play. Protein as a whole is slow digesting, which provides your body with a consistent flow of amino acids throughout the night to help in recovery from exercise and maintain your calorie burning lean muscle for fat loss.
Ok great! but what would be the best choice? Here are some of my favorite post dinner food choices:
- Animal Protein - Protein sources such as chicken/turkey are great options because the body digests these slowly and have a very low insulin release. Not to mention they promote the release of glucagon (another hormone) that helps the body break down your stored carbs and fat and turns it into energy to be burned off. Now what about red meat? The reason red meat is not a great choice before bed is because the Insulin release is very high making it not the wisest choice.
- Plain Cottage Cheese - Cottage cheese is another great options because of its slow digestion. And again also stimulating glucagon release.
- Protein Shake (Low-Carb) Pretty self-explanatory - If you are on a regular exercise program this should already be a part of your daily routine due to its muscle recovery properties and fitness benefits. Just make sure you go with a high quality protein choice.
- Green Veggies - Yes you read that right… although not a protein, green vegetables contain virtually no calories, are high in fiber and are very filling.
So the next time you are hungry before bed do not worry you have plenty of delicious fat burning food options.
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