Cereal might be something you'd be more likely to eat in the morning than before bed, but there's nothing wrong with eating cereal at night, provided it fits in with your diet as a whole. The idea that it's bad to eat carb-dense foods -- like cereal -- before bed is false.
You may want to avoid eating cereal before sleeping. Even if you're not, the quick changes in blood sugar don't contribute to the relaxed state your body requires for sleep. If resisting cereal at night proves to be challenging, make sure that you select one that is low in sugar and high in whole grains.
The good news is that the right cereal pick made with the right ingredients can serve up a healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast in a flash — and yes, help you meet your weight loss or weight maintenance goals.
It provides an excellent breakfast and an ideal snack any time of the day, including bedtime. However, balance is the key, and you can have too much of a good thing. Weetabix is fortified with certain vitamins and minerals and if eaten to excess, then you could be taking in too much of these nutrients.
High-Sugar Cereals
"Eating cereal containing high amounts of added sugar right before bed can cause a spike in your blood sugar and increase insulin levels, causing you to wake up feeling hungry," says Smith. "Cereal can be a suitable snack prior to bedtime, but choose high-fiber, lower-sugar options," adds Smith.
A bowl of unsweetened cereal (e.g. rice puffs, bran flakes) or muesli high in complex carbs, coupled with milk makes for a yummy bedtime snack. As a bonus, the duo in this combo help your body produce melatonin to lead you into a more restful night.
Sleep in a colder room
Research from the National Institutes of Health says that turning down your thermostat to a cool 66 degrees Fahrenheit cuts 7 percent more calories, as your body burns fat to maintain its core temperature.
Drinking water before bed like lemonade contains polyphenols that help to get rid of accumulated fat. Grape juice contains resveratrol, which converts white fat to brown, which is easier to burn. Apple juice, ginger tea or strawberry juice are also effective choices.
As any dietitian will tell you, if you cut enough calories, virtually any diet can lead to weight loss — at least in the short-term. And by eating a low-calorie bowl of cereal such as Special K, plain Corn Flakes, Shredded Wheat, plain Cheerios, or Rice Krispies, you most likely will lose weight.
Hot cereals tend to be healthy because they are generally made of whole grains. Whole grains provide energy to the body and are a source of fiber, as opposed to refined grains, which are stripped of essential nutrients and fiber during processing.
Experts recommend waiting at least three hours after you've eaten to go to bed. This allows your body time to digest your food so you're not up at night with an upset stomach, indigestion, or acid reflux. And it helps you stay asleep.
Your blood sugar also dips too low. This tells your body that it needs fuel ASAP. The quickest form of energy in your body is carbohydrates. Hence you craving carbs at night.
A new study says milk and cereal in the morning can help avoid overeating the rest of the day. A new study says milk when consumed with breakfast cereal may provide benefits for those managing diabetes. A well-balanced breakfast of carbohydrates, protein and fats is considered key to starting the day.
“If you are hungry, you should eat something, regardless of the time of day,” says Aimee Takamura, registered dietitian and director of wellness and sustainability at Restaurant Associates. “The act of eating late at night does not affect metabolism or lead to many of the adverse effects you may have heard of.
As a guide, stop eating two to three hours before bed to avoid weight gain. Finishing meals earlier than this may help boost weight loss.
There is no evidence to support the claim that drinking water before bed will help you lose weight. In fact, it may lead to weight gain if it interrupts your sleep. If you're trying to lose weight, the best time to drink water may be before meals and throughout the day.
Cereal might be something you'd be more likely to eat in the morning than before bed, but there's nothing wrong with eating cereal at night, provided it fits in with your diet as a whole. The idea that it's bad to eat carb-dense foods -- like cereal -- before bed is false.
On its own, cereal is not the most nutritious meal. But with a few quick upgrades, a bowl of cereal can become a satisfying meal and give your brain a well-deserved boost.