The Best Low-Fat Snack To Eat Before Bed For Weight Loss, According To Dietitians

How Apples Satisfy Late-Night Hunger Without Added Weight Gain 

If you are hungry before bed, it’s wise to choose a healthy snack, and one with fiber if you’re trying to lose weight. The greatest snacks before bed, Best explains, are “those that contain two qualities— low in calories and rich in satiating nutrients like fiber and protein.” Apples are a great go-to if you’re experiencing hunger since they are light and contain plenty of fiber and protein that will still aid your digestive system (unlikely to cause bloating in bed later). 

The fiber in apples helps to flush out cholesterol and fat circulating in the blood, Richards says, as well as keeping you feeling full for longer, which prevents overeating. “This can be beneficial at bedtime when cravings can begin to ramp up,” she says. “Apples are also rich in nutrients that promote quality sleep. Vitamin B6 and potassium are two nutrients that can aid in better sleep,” adds Richards. 

Grey agrees, dubbing apples as her favorite snack if still hungry before bedtime. “Right before going to sleep, I love eating an apple,” she says. “I find that the apple improves my digestion and helps me refresh before bed.” She also notes that this is a low-calorie snack that can “only have a positive effect on your metabolism and weight loss.” 

Ultimately, snacking at night “does not have to equal inevitable weight gain,” Best says, and doing so “can also serve a purpose in helping you get quality rest.” Eating foods that contain natural melatonin right before you are ready to attempt sleep can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. She also lists almonds, walnuts, and bananas as prime examples of these easy-to-snack-on foods that are rich in melatonin. Overall, there is no need to worry about eating before bed if you are truly hungry— listening to your body’s needs is key.