Tweet
While surfing through Letterman, Leno, and Kimmel, your stomach starts to rumble. Don't nuke that leftover pizza or inhale a pint of ice cream. "When you overheat before bed, your body is much more likely to store those calories as fat," says nutritionist Manuel Villacorta, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. You can still eat something, he says. It just needs to be the right snack. A couple of rules: stick to less than 300 calories—anything more is a meal. And wait at least an hour before hitting the sack so you have plenty of time to digest.
Strawberry shake
Blend kefir (it's like a liquid yogurt), strawberries, and a teaspoon of honey for a refreshing protein shake that's also chock-full of digestion-enhancing probiotics.
Frozen blueberries
A cup of the fruit is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and more than 4 grams of fiber. For a richer snack, top them with a little light whipping cream.
Yogurt cubes
If you're an ice cream lover, try this lean alternative: pour a homemade smoothie (like the kefir-strawberry mixture above) into ice cube trays, then freeze until slushy.
Multigrain pretzels
Whether in stick or twist form, pretzels are a surprisingly good alternative to chips. One ounce—about a handful—boasts just over 100 calories. To add some metabolism-revving protein, dunk 'em in yogurt.
Crackers
For a nutty snack try Ak-mak crackers (made of stone-ground sesame seeds), multigrain Wasa crackers, or low-fat rye mini toasts. Spread on some hummus or light cheese, or eat with a small slice of lean lunch meat.
Cheese quesadilla
Sprinkle some grated low-fat cheese, like Jarlesberg light, in between a couple of high-fiber tortillas, then crisp both sides on a cast-iron skillet or indoor grill. The healthiest cheeses have just 3 to 5 grams of fat per ounce.
Popcorn
Choose 100-calorie packs of 94% fat-free microwave popcorn. Or air-pop your own. Skip the butter. Instead, raid your spice cabinet: Use lime powder for tang, cayenne pepper for heat, or a dash of cinnamon for sweetness.
Greek yogurt
"It's high protein, low in sugar, and can really fill you up," Villacorta says. For more flavor, mix in your own fruit, like sliced papaya.
Dark chocolate
The darker the better. Chocolate made with at least 70% cacao contains less sugar and more antioxidants than its milky cousin.
Dried figs
Three or four of the chewy, candylike fruit should do the trick. Still hungry? Pair them with a wedge of light cheese like Laughing Cow.
Strawberry shake Blend kefir (it's like a liquid yogurt), strawberries, and a teaspoon of honey for a refreshing protein shake that's also chock-full of digestion-enhancing probiotics.
Frozen blueberries A cup of the fruit is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and more than 4 grams of fiber. For a richer snack, top them with a little light whipping cream.
Yogurt cubes If you're an ice cream lover, try this lean alternative: pour a homemade smoothie (like the kefir-strawberry mixture above) into ice cube trays, then freeze until slushy.
Multigrain pretzels Whether in stick or twist form, pretzels are a surprisingly good alternative to chips. One ounce—about a handful—boasts just over 100 calories. To add some metabolism-revving protein, dunk 'em in yogurt.
Crackers For a nutty snack try Ak-mak crackers (made of stone-ground sesame seeds), multigrain Wasa crackers, or low-fat rye mini toasts. Spread on some hummus or light cheese, or eat with a small slice of lean lunch meat.
Cheese quesadilla Sprinkle some grated low-fat cheese, like Jarlesberg light, in between a couple of high-fiber tortillas, then crisp both sides on a cast-iron skillet or indoor grill. The healthiest cheeses have just 3 to 5 grams of fat per ounce.
Popcorn Choose 100-calorie packs of 94% fat-free microwave popcorn. Or air-pop your own. Skip the butter. Instead, raid your spice cabinet: Use lime powder for tang, cayenne pepper for heat, or a dash of cinnamon for sweetness.
Greek yogurt "It's high protein, low in sugar, and can really fill you up," Villacorta says. For more flavor, mix in your own fruit, like sliced papaya.
Dark chocolate The darker the better. Chocolate made with at least 70% cacao contains less sugar and more antioxidants than its milky cousin.
Dried figs Three or four of the chewy, candylike fruit should do the trick. Still hungry? Pair them with a wedge of light cheese like Laughing Cow.
Comment