What to snack on at night?

I have this terrible habit of snacking at night after the kids go to bed.  Lately, I have been snacking on junk and could really use some healthier alternatives, besides the obvious fruit and veggies.  Thanks

I have a list of snacks on my profile that I love.

I have struggled with this exact issue for my whole life!  The best thing I have found is to just have a cut off time where I just don't eat at all anymore.  I tried to just control myself but one snack would inevitably lead to two or three, every single night.  Now I just don't eat after 8 PM, period.  I believe this also helps me sleep better.

As far as after dinner snacks/desserts go, here are my favorites:

Quaker "Quakes" Mini Rice Cakes in Ranch, Cheese, or BBQ flavors (70 cal. for 10)

Single serving bag of light popcorn (100 cal.)

Klondike Slim-a-Bear Ice cream bars (100 cal.)

Weight Watchers Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting (80 cal.)

Fudgesicle (40 cal./pop or 100 cal./bigger bar) 

I don't have kids, so I don't know what you are going through in that area, but I do know that if you can't control yourself to the point that it is seriously affecting your weight like me, it's probably better to just cut yourself off! 

 

Original Post by jill91198:

I have this terrible habit of snacking at night after the kids go to bed. Lately, I have been snacking on junk and could really use some healthier alternatives, besides the obvious fruit and veggies. Thanks

 i have the same problem too. the cut off time has worked best for me as well. no eating after 9pm!

i love making a bowl of oatmeal during the evening. i think it even helps me sleep better! usually, i use the old-fashioned oats, rather than the quick oats (the old-fashioned ones take longer to digest and keep you full for a longer amount of time). i use 1/3 cup of oatmeal and about 1 cup of water. sometimes, i'll add a little splenda in to make it sweet, but i usually just eat it plain!!! it's only about 100 calories and keeps me fuuulllll and prevents munching on the junk!

I also use the cut-off time for eating, usually around 8:30 p.m.  For snacks, I either have an orange, apple, or my favorite - Edy's Frozen Strawberry Fruit Bar at only 80 calories.

Also, I read at night, and this keeps my mind off of snacking.  If I watch television then I'm more apt to snacking! 

 

I work full-time and am a full-time college student. Talk about late night snacks & stress. Solution and depending on my mood I'll munch on the following:

1. Carrots (sweet, baby ones).

2. Grapes.

3. Soy milk (warmed, touch of cinnamon & tad of vanilla). I can't handle milk therefor the soy vanilla. For a twist I love the chocolate version as well.

4. Rice cakes, which have improved in the last couple of years.

5. Sleepy Time tea to help reduce my stress level.

So, if I'm super stressed out during mid-terms, it's the baby carrots and sleepy time tea (to help me relax).  If my body is craving protein, I'll drink 1 cup of warmed soy milk. If I'm focused on studies and am in a munching mood, I whip out the rice cakes but also put a lmit on my intake, and top it off with soothing hot tea. Then if I'm still hungry I know it's stress and do some deep breathing techniques and take B12 vitamins in order to lower the acids in my stomach that produce the hunger cravings.

 Hope this helps.

I tend to save a sweet for night so not specifically 'snacking' but a SF fudgesicle, splenda'd pumpkin w/ sf vanilla pudding or even a piece of fruit hits the spot.

I usually brush my teeth right after dinner, as that seems to keep me from snacking someway. ,aybe because I do not want to dirty my mouth and brush again?

popcorn, smart pop kettle corn is my fav, sometimes even fixing up a salad is nice at night, it feels like an extra meal... kraft-free italian is only like 15 calories a tablespoon too, so you can keep it low cal... as wierd as it may seem a lot of organic baby snacks are tasty and very low fat and low calorie... and because they are small they feel like your really munching out! the cheddar crackers are usually my fav.... although the veggie flavor are yummy too... annie's whole wheat bunnies are yummy...

I take half of a chicken or beef bullion (Sp?) cube, which is like 5-15 calories depending on the brand, mixed it with water & heat it up. Its very warm and filling :)

im drinking some right now...i have a little cold ]=

My fav is currently:

half a cup of 2% milk, with 2 tbs of cereal (Flaxseed/omega fortified kind), 1 tsp of FFCC (fatfreecottagecheese) mixed into the milk.

or

6 oz of warm soy bean milk (sweetened and vitamin fortified kind). 

My prev fav:

6 pcs of Nabisco wheat crackers + 1 string cheese or 1 laughing cow cheese wedge.

Basically I incorporate protein in my snack so I know I will be satisfied and full for real. Cutting back on sugary stuff at night in my observation is good for skin as well (less break outs).

 

I actually eat lean deli meats.  President's Choice makes a stone baked ham which, for 3 slices, is like 50 calories, 1 grm of fat and no carbs.  3 slices of ham seems like alot of food.  The honey turkey is also really nice.

I have Kashi GoLean cereal with some skim milk. It may be too high-cal for some dieters, but it satisfies a craving for something somewhat sweet or crunchy.

I  looveee special k bars

the strawberry kind

 

100 calorie :

Cookies

Oreos

Wheat thins

Hostestess' Carrot Cake

4 chocolate kisses

 

 

Under 100 calories:

Mini Delights

Special K bars

Special K drinks

Fruit

Bread

ETC!

 

Grapes.. I love grapes.

I buy Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs.  They have Cheese Nips, Chips Ahoy, Oreo and some others.  They come in individualized packs so eat just one.

Some of my favorites are

Quaker Reduced Sugar Granola Bars - 100 calories

Frozen Peas - 70 calories

Light String Cheese - 60 calories

Fat Free Pringles - 70 calories for 15 chips (not nutritious, I know, but low-cal)

2 Slices of Light Wheat Bread with Sugar Free Jelly - 80 calories

2 Slices of Light Wheat Bread Toasted with a Slice of Melted Fat-Free Cheddar - 100 calories 

Dannon Light and Fit Yogurt - 60 calories

2 Slices of Proscuitto - 70 calories (Proscuitto is also really good with some canteloupe)

1/2 cup Low Fat Cottage Cheese - 80 calories

 

I LOVE popcorn .....on the stove, just enough Olive Oil to do the job, and sometimes a little Mrs. Dash, or the dipping blend spices if I don't just have it plain :)

Thank you for all the suggestions.  I've actually tried several of them and have found some new great, healthy snacks.  You are all awesome!!