"The Impact of Late-Night Eating on Your Health"

Eating right before bed can disrupt your circadian rhythm and lead to overeating or gastrointestinal discomfort, according to dietitian Elizabeth Barclay. It's best to consume enough calories during the day, focusing on protein and high fiber foods to avoid late night cravings. Foods to avoid before bed include high fat or high sugar snacks, citrus, tomatoes, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine, as they can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to acid reflux. If late night snacking is unavoidable, Barclay recommends snacks like nuts or nut butter with fruit, Greek yogurt with dark chocolate chips, or veggies with hummus, all of which provide a balance of protein and healthy fats or complex carbohydrates.