Foods You Should Avoid Eating Before Going To Sleep

As obesity continues to take the toll in the problems of health, we hear advices as to not eat late at night. Researches show that eating late has negative effects on health such as gaining weight. Another important reason it is important to avoid this bad habit is due to its negative effects on sleep.

If there is a need to snack in the evening, consider choosing fruits, vegetables or other products which are low in fat, calories and water content. Here are food categories to keep away at night before sleeping:

1. Greasy or fat-filled foods

These foods make you feel tired and sluggish the next morning because of its heavy, fatty, greasy content. Not only that, they also make your stomach get tired and overworked. Other than gaining weight, eating high-fat foods before going to bed is the main cause of sleep disturbances because you will have nighttime trips to the bathroom.

Chocolate cake tastes good but ends up bad.(Image Credit: sleeping.ezinemark.com)

Red meats should not be eaten too much at night.(Image Credit: sleeping.ezinemark.com)

2. High-carbohydrate or sugary foods

A small piece of sweet cake can help you slumber; nevertheless, if you eat a huge slice of chocolate cake will lead to a more severe adverse effect. The reason is that the spike in your blood-sugar levels could cause your energy levels to spike and plummet, disrupting your sleep in the process. Cake, cookies, or other desserts as well as carby snacks like crackers or white bread are foods listed in this category.

3. Red meat and other proteins

Eating red meats late at night makes it difficult for you to sleep because your stomach will digest foods too hard. Dietitians show that red meat may actually affect you the worst, but eating a chicken or pork with large portions would have the same effect as well. In fact, you don’t need to totally avoid protein foods for your late meal, just remember to eat with a small quantity or opt for a glass of warm milk or some sleep-friendly carbs.

4. Spicy foods

When you’re craving something to eat late at night, stay away from the hot sauce. Spicy and peppery foods are not beneficial for your stomach. In addition, chemicals loaded in spicy foods can stimulate your senses, making it hard to fall asleep.

It is suggested to cut all caffeine from your diet four to six hours before bedtime.(Image Credit: sleeping.ezinemark.com)

You will feel uncomfortable with a full stomach at night and can make you fat. (Image credit: www.mauirestaurantsblog.com)

5. Hidden Caffeine foods

A cup of coffee contains caffeine which can lead to sleep disturbances. Even other less obvious caffeine sources such as cola, tea, chocolate and decaffeinated coffee should be avoided being taken at night. For a better sleep, cut all caffeine from your diet four to six hours before bedtime.

6. Big portions

Lying down with a full belly can make you feel uncomfortable and find hard to start sleeping, because the digestive system slows down when you sleep. Keep the total calorie amount under 200 so you won’t have any problem with going and staying asleep. Make sure to eat a reasonable amount of foods and finish a heavy meal at least four hours before bedtime.

7. Diuretic foods

A diuretic is defined as either a food, herb, beverage or anything else that aides in the process of making your body release more urine. That is the reason why when you drink much water or eat celery at night, you should go to the bathroom more often. Thus, to have a restful night, nutritionists suggest you should limit the consumption of foods with a large amount of water. Keeping hydrated throughout the day is great for your body, but remember to cut down your fluid intake before bed.

Consuming too many fast food items can make your sleep interrupted. They are the highest in Trans fat which causes stroke, diabetes and coronary heart disease.(Image Credit: sleeping.ezinemark.com)

The value of sleep should not be underestimated as it is as important as diet and exercise in a healthy lifestyle. So, try to avoid or lessen your intake of these foodies and go for a good night, well-rested sleep.

Source: sleeping.ezinemark.com, newscanada.com