Best Late-Night Snacks for Athletes

Sophia Belnap

Anyone who's involved in athletics knows that food is key to growth. Whether you play sports or lift weights competitively, your body needs nutrients to sustain movement. Not only is the amount of food you eat crucial to muscle development, but the type of food you eat also affects your body after a workout. If you're looking for some satisfying snacks that you can eat before bed without sacrificing your nutrition plan, look no further. 

Yogurt and Granola

One of the most classic healthy late night snacks is yogurt and granola. No matter what type of yogurt you enjoy, the milk content offers a high protein boost to your snack. When you combine the sweet creaminess of yogurt with the crunch of granola, you get a satisfying evening bite. After a strenuous workout, the carbs in both granola and yogurt will give you a nice energy boost, while the proteins help rebuild sore muscles and ligaments. If you often get hungry before bed, reach for some yogurt and granola to satisfy your cravings while aiding in recovery. 

If you're on a strict diet plan and don't want to eat regular yogurt, substitute your plain yogurt for Greek yogurt in your snack bowls. While Greek yogurt may have more calories upfront, these calories come from the higher protein content. When compared to traditional yogurt, Greek yogurt has higher protein levels and lower sugars. If you don't want to compromise on your diet plan when you're reaching for a late-night snack, substitute traditional yogurt for Greek yogurt. Yogurt and granola are some of the most popular healthy snack options for a reason, so add them to your weekly meal plan.

Pistachios or Nut Butter

If your late-night cravings tend more toward some satisfying crunch, a handful of pistachios would be the perfect snack. In comparison to other nuts, pistachios have a higher natural melatonin content, leading them to be a great bite right before bed. For anyone who struggles to sleep, the natural fats and melatonin found in pistachios can make your nighttime routine easier. After eating a handful of these nuts, you'll find falling asleep will come easier to you, with less tossing and turning. 

One of the best alternatives to plain nuts is nut butter. Whether you prefer pistachios, cashews, or almonds, adding your favorite nut butter to veggies or crackers is a great way to supplement healthy fats and proteins to your diet. If you're craving something salty, spread some almond or cashew butter on a few crackers before bed. For something sweet, dip apple slices in peanut or pistachio butter. Nuts are relatively low in calories and can promote low cholesterol and a healthy heart. No matter what type of nuts you prefer, nuts and nut butter makes a great late-night snack for athletes. 

Protein Pancakes and Smoothies

Finally, some classic comfort food with a healthy twist has all the potential to be your new favorite evening snack. One of the most popular new health foods is a protein pancake. Rather than the sugary, carb-loaded classic pancake, protein pancakes are low in calories and high in proteins and vitamins, making them a great comfort food option for your late-night snacking. To make a protein pancake, combine eggs, your favorite protein powder, a raising agent like baking powder, and water. Once the mixture is well-combined, fry it like a regular pancake and top it with your favorite fruit. Just like that, you have a healthy alternative to a classic breakfast for your late-night cravings. 

Protein shakes and smoothies are another way to include some extra nutrients before bed. By combining the healthy sugars in fruits with the protein in whey powder and dairy, you can have a healthy substitute for desserts like ice cream, which is loaded with sugar and fat. By replacing some of your regular snacks with healthy versions, you can stick to your diet plan without sacrificing taste. 

Conclusion

Overall, you shouldn't have to give up late-night snacking just to meet your fitness goals. No matter what form of athletics you participate in, make sure you're enjoying the food you eat.