Going to bed on an empty stomach when you are hungry is a bad idea because you will not be able to sleep. And you may be tempted to ignore those hunger pangs at night because you may be afraid that you will put on weight if you eat so close to bedtime. That is actually almost a myth, even though there is a bit of truth to it in that stopping eating 3 hours before bedtime can decrease your overall calorie intake.

You don’t want to have a feast before going to bed for that reason, not to mention the fact that you will be up in the night with an upset stomach if you eat too much.

But what are the best snacks then?

5 Best Snacks to Eat at Bedtime

Let’s go over 5 of the best bedtime snacks.

1. Almonds

Almonds are a great source of protein and have healthy fats that will keep you full. They also can help you sleep as they have properties that will help release melatonin, the sleep hormone. That is a win-win. Having about 6 almonds is perfect right before you go to bed. And they are good too.

2. Peanut butter on toast

Peanut butter in moderation is fine to eat right before bed, and you will want to get a whole grain piece of toast as well. This is a nutritious snack that will keep you full for bedtime. Therefore, it is not going to be too filling that it will keep you up due to an upset stomach. As long as the calories are kept to a minimum (a guideline is that 1 tablespoon of peanut butter is about 90 calories), with one slice of toast, then you will be fine and you’ll feel satisfied.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt has some properties that will help you go to sleep and it will keep you full as well. Why not have a half of a cup of Greek yogurt before you go turn yourself in for the night? It will help you get to slumberland as well.

4. Low-Fat Dairy

If you want to drink a glass of low-fat milk or a slice of low-fat cheese, then that is a great option as well. This is a protein that will help keep you full enough to get to sleep, and dairy has some properties which to help you sleep as well. But don’t have ice cream because it has sugar which will keep you awake.

5. Meat or Fish

The ultimate source of protein is in meat or fish so if you have a section of a serving of either, that will get you full enough. And maybe turkey is one of the best options as it contains properties that will help you sleep as well.

Who said you cannot eat right before bed? Don’t go to bed with a growling stomach!