I am a grazer. I eat all throughout the day, mostly medium to small meals with plenty of snacks in between. I even snack at night! However, eating late at night before going to bed is not the best for that cute body, so the types of snacks you eat are important. These are 7 of my favorite snacks, which you can eat even late at night because, hey, they’re healthy.

Here are 7 Guilt-free Snacks You Can Eat Without Feeling Guilty

Almonds

Image Credit: Juan Jose Valencia Antia

Almonds are amazing! First, almonds are quick and easy. They don’t require any prep; you just open, grab, and eat. Almonds are a great source of protein, which will keep you full during the day or throughout the night. Bonus: Almonds are rich in the nutrient magnesium, which is a natural muscle relaxer, making them the perfect late night healthy snack.

If almonds aren’t your bag, then you can snack on other nuts like pistachios or cashews. They’re packed with protein and have other health benefits.

Oats
Oats aren’t just for breakfast anymore! Oats can be a great late night snack because they are filling and are a natural source of melatonin. What’s melatonin? It's a hormone that helps to regulate the body's sleep and wake cycles. Many people take melatonin supplements to help with sleep issues. If you’re one of those people, try oats instead. Bonus: Oats, which are complex carbohydrates, make the amino acid tryptophan available to the brain. It’s said that tryptophan can help you

Dark Chocolate
A little chocolate is good for you. It’s true, because science! Chocolate that has a higher percentage (70-85%) of cacao may have significant levels of fiber, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc. It is also a great antioxidant source. Dark chocolate may improve your blood flow and circulation which in turn can help lower your blood pressure. Bonus: Dark chocolate can keep you feeling full through the night because it’s rich in fiber.

Not all chocolate is created equal. Before you reach for that Special Dark with Almonds, one of my fave’s, get the facts check the nutrition information for sugar and cacao content levels.

Eggs

Image Credit: Brina Blum

Eggs are quick and easy to make in additional to being filling. Eggs have plenty of health benefits. They are an excellent source of protein, good HDL cholesterol, and B vitamins.  The wonderful nutrients in eggs can help you feel full while assisting in reducing inflammation and improving neurological function. Add a little cheese to your eggs for a boost of calcium or eat them with carbohydrate-rich toast for a serotonin boost for a restful sleep that won't have you waking up starving.

Greek Yogurt
If you haven’t heard by now, Greek yogurt is the ish! It has twice as much protein as regular yogurt and half the carbs. Eating Greek yogurt as a late night snack will give you protein, which will help keep you full overnight. You can pair your plain Greek yogurt with fruit, such as antioxidant-rich pomegranate or strawberries, or mix in a little honey to give it a little extra flavor. Don’t buy Greek yogurt that already has fruit. I know it’s a timesaver, but it’s not a waist saver. Add your own fruit! You can also mix in granola, coconut, or dried fruit. I love mixing in the yogurt toppers I get in my Graze Box. They are delicious!

If you’re not a huge yogurt fan, skip the yogurt and go straight for the fruit.

Fruit

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Cherries, one of my favorite fruits, have naturally occurring melatonin, which helps keep your internal clock regulated. Melatonin, a hormone which promotes sleep, also induces drowsiness. Studies have linked drinking cherry juice to longer sleep and increased sleep efficiency. Next time you are a little hungry before bed, try a small bowl of fresh cherries or a glass of 100% cherry juice to help you get to sleep sans hunger.

A banana is a quick and easy snack to munch on before bed that will help you get some extra shuteye. I'm not sure if it is official, but I'm calling it - bananas are a superfood. They are packed with potassium and magnesium. These powerful nutrients aid with muscle relaxation which can help you get a quiet night. Want to get the most out of your snack? The carbs in bananas help make our favorite hormone, Tryptophan, available to your brain and make you feel full. Eat your banana with almond butter for a protein-packed late-night snack.

Warm milk
Guess what? The old wives' tale is true. A glass of warm milk before going to bed can help get you to sleep. Foods, like milk and other dairy products, are rich in tryptophan and calcium, nutrients that are linked to restful sleep. The tryptophan in milk, when combined with carbohydrates (think warm milk and honey), plays a role in helping to unwind before bed. So drink up for a restful evening.

Are you dairy-free? Try having a glass of coconut milk instead. Coconut milk is full of probiotics and prebiotics that are great for your digestive tract. Also, coconut milk contains some complex triglycerides that your body will love.

Bonus:

Herbal Tea

Image Credit: Gaelle Marcel

I have always loved herbal teas. As the child of Caribbean parents, it seemed that tea was the cure for any ailment. I grew up drinking mint and ginger teas as part of my daily diet. It turns out that mom was right, teas have properties that are great for curing or at least relieving symptoms. Peppermint tea can help you get a more restful night’s sleep. The peppermint herb has naturally occurring menthol which studies have shown to be a muscle relaxant.

Take your tea to the next level by adding some lavender. Lavender has been shown to have calming/relaxing properties that allow you to fall asleep more easily. If you live in Atlanta, you can grab some lavender buds at the Dekalb Farmer’s Market to add to your tea.

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Sign up using my special code KIZZYH5GP and receive a FREE trial box with 4 of Graze's top snacks. If you try it and keep the subscription, your 5th box is also FREE.