Best and Worst Late-Night Snacks for Your Health

It might look tempting, but anything that’s too greasy can cause heartburn, especially if you lie down soon after indulging. A snack that has fewer than 200 calories is a much safer bet.

Best: Half a Turkey Sandwich

When you want something to fill you up, half a sandwich on whole wheat bread is a good pick. Your body digests whole grains more slowly so you’ll feel satisfied longer. And turkey has tryptophan, an amino acid that helps to make you sleepy. If you’re not into turkey, try peanut or almond butter on whole wheat toast. Nut butter has healthy fats that raise your levels of serotonin, a feel-good mood chemical that helps you relax.

Worst: Bean and Cheese Burrito

Chowing down on something fatty and spicy isn’t a great idea close to bedtime. Not only could you end up with heartburn, but you might also have lots of uncomfortable gas thanks to the beans (which would be a healthy add-in earlier in the evening).

Best: Whole-Grain Crackers With Cheese

If you’re craving something cheesy, try a small amount with a few whole-grain crackers. Or go for a scoop of cottage cheese, which also has tryptophan.

Worst: Chips

The fat and salt are a bad combo, especially as bedtime nears. Plus, it’s easy to have too many, so what starts out as a small treat could turn into a binge that’s bad for your mood and your waistline