Night-Time Nibbles for Weight Watchers: Snacks You Can Enjoy Worry-Free

Late-night snacks are considered unhealthy. Eating food before going to bed after dinner can cause various diseases, such as chronic indigestion, reflux esophagitis, insomnia, and diabetes. Especially if you fall asleep before the food is digested, it can result in weight gain. Eating high-calorie foods like chicken, pizza, and ramen as late-night snacks can lead to obesity. However, simple foods that are easily digested can benefit your health. Now, look at what foods you can eat as late-night snacks without worry.

Almonds

Nuts are generally good for your body. Among nuts, almonds are considered a suitable food to eat at night. Almonds are usually eaten roasted or fried, and they are a popular choice for many people due to their unique nutty taste and aroma. Almonds have low carbohydrates but high protein and potassium content, making them suitable food for late-night snacks as they are less burdensome on the stomach. They are also rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, which can be helpful for dieting. However, it is not recommended to eat processed almonds flavored with seasonings as late-night snacks.

Eggs

Eggs are a widely consumed food ingredient. It is known for its unique texture and taste, and many people use eggs to make various dishes or consume them as they are. Boiled eggs without additional seasonings have low calories and are rich in protein, making them a good choice for late-night snacks as they can reduce hunger. They also provide long-lasting satiety.

Kiwi

Kiwi is a fruit that represents New Zealand and resembles kiwi birds, hence the name. Kiwi, which can now be easily found, is rich in vitamin C. It also contains good dietary fiber, making it suitable for late-night snacks and helping with bowel movements. However, it is not recommended to eat kiwi with milk as they do not go well together.

Smoked Duck

Many people love it for its unique texture and taste. It is known for its good oil content, and in Western countries, duck oil is separated from the meat and distributed separately. Duck meat contains a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which have a lower conversion rate to cholesterol compared to saturated fats, making it a good choice for late-night snacks. However, it is still recommended not to overeat, just like other meats.

Buckwheat Noodles

Ramen is a popular menu item that receives a lot of love as a late-night snack. The temptation of a bowl of ramen that comes to those who love noodle dishes every night is compelling. If you have decided to have a late-night snack, it is recommended to choose “buckwheat noodles” over ramen. Buckwheat noodles have fewer calories and are more easily digested than ramen’s main ingredient, wheat. By making noodles with katsuobushi broth without additional toppings or seasonings, you can consume fewer calories than ramen.

Tofu

Tofu, made from soybeans, is known for its savory taste and soft texture. It is also known as a complete food, is suitable as a late-night snack, and can be eaten anytime. It has a high digestion and absorption rate and is rich in protein, making it a good choice for late-night snacks. However, avoiding eating tofu in soups or with seasonings is recommended.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt. The term “Greek” refers to the Mediterranean coastal regions, including Greece, and the traditional style of yogurt. It gained worldwide fame when a US magazine selected it as one of the top 5 superfoods in 2006. Greek yogurt contains more protein and calcium than regular yogurt. It is a food that can achieve both satiety and protein intake simultaneously.

Blueberry

Blueberries are fruits that are often found in functional foods. Despite the name, they are not related to strawberries or raspberries but belong to the heath family. They are well-known for being good for the eyes. Blueberries are famous for their excellent anti-aging, dementia prevention, and immune-boosting properties. They are rich in dietary fiber, calcium, iron, manganese, and other nutrients but are not high in calories or sugar, making them a recommended late-night snack.

Banana

Bananas, which are generally classified as fruits, come in various types. The most well-known banana is long and yellow, mainly consumed raw rather than cooked. Among fruits, bananas are known to provide sufficient satiety, making them a popular choice for those on a diet. Bananas are easily digested and contain substances that induce deep sleep, making them an excellent late-night snack.

Avocado

Avocado, mainly cultivated in Mexico and other Central and South American regions, is a fruit that contains a considerable amount of protein and fat compared to other fruits. It is known for its smooth and creamy texture; some people may not like its unique taste. Avocado is suitable as a late-night snack because it has low sugar content and is rich in dietary fiber. It aids digestion and promotes bowel movements. It can also help prevent cholesterol buildup in blood vessels.

By. Choi Deok Soo (press@daily.co.kr)