Lynell Ross, certified health & wellness coach, nutritionist, and founder of Zivadream, explains why you should not indulge in a midnight snack.
She explains, "While tempting as they may be, rich pasties, cakes and other desserts high in fat and sugar can keep your digestive system from working properly, causing stomach discomfort, gas and bloating, especially at night."
If you load up on calories at the end of the night, you can hurt your metabolism in the long run.
Ross continues, "Keep late night snacks to 200 calories or under to help your stomach and digestive tract work properly, avoid bloating and to sleep better too."
If you do need a late night snack, try reaching for Greek yogurt instead. Lisa Richards, nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet, "Eating a low-fat, high protein in the evening or before bed can reduce cravings and prevent overeating. These two factors can lead to weight gain if not kept under control."
Richards continues, "Eating Greek yogurt before bed, or on a regular basis, replenishes your gut microbiome with healthy bacteria. Fermented foods like yogurt restore these bacteria which is beneficial for weight, among many other health benefits."
With that in mind, instead of going for a high fat and high sugar dessert, satisfy your cravings with some Greek yogurt instead.