• Ever wondered what healthy snacks you can eat when it’s well after dark, and your stomach is rumbling?

    It is absolutely normal to wake up in the middle of the night battling severe hunger or staying up really late and realising that you are hungry and just wanting to be filled. It is important to note that late-night snacks can have several health implications including weight gain especially if you gravitate towards the unhealthy options.

    The best thing you can do for yourself when you wake up at night hungry is to grab a very healthy snack like:

    Bananas

    Not only are bananas delicious and easily accessible but Healthline notes that bananas contain serotonin which the body converts to melatonin which helps people’s nerves feel relaxed and help them fall asleep.

    Smoothies

    A protein-based smoothie is a delicious and healthy way to make sure that you sleep better. According to Healthline, eating a protein-rich snack before bed could support muscle repair and help slow down age-related muscle loss, especially if you exercise routinely.

    Crackers and cheese

    These offer a balance of carbs and protein. According to Healthline, combining a carb-rich food like crackers with a good tryptophan source like cheese helps make tryptophan more available to your brain.

    Popcorn

    Popcorn is a very healthy snack you can munch on whenever you wake up at night hungry, it has very few calories, only about 100, and it fills you up.

    ALSO SEE: 5 foods to eat or drink that will help you sleep better

    5 foods to eat or drink that will help you sleep better

    By Unathi Balele for BONA Magazine

    Feature Image: Getty Images