It's tempting to reach for a box of cereal when hunger strikes at night, but most cereals contain large amounts of carbohydrates. This causes a spike and drop in blood sugar, which is especially problematic if you're diabetic or pre-diabetic. You may want to avoid eating cereal before sleeping.
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.
Complex carbs can help to improve sleep especially when combined with milk. Whole grain cereals such as shredded wheat and bran flakes are good options however, it's crucial to avoid sugar-laden cereals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And keep your portions small, or risk your diet going out the window the next morning. Other good picks to curb the late night munchies include high protein, low-fat and carb snacks like Greek yogurt. Throw in a handful of berries or a teaspoon of natural honey if you're craving a sweeter fix.
Milk goes in before cereal is added to keep the cereal from getting soggy and—horror—keeps the milk free of soggy cereal crumbs.
Both calcium and carbohydrate-rich foods promote the effects of tryptophan, a sleep-promoting amino acid. Top picks for sleep are apples with peanut butter, cheese and crackers or cereal and milk.
Cereal is Fast and Easy, but it May Cause Insomnia
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 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.
"I'd recommend choosing a snack that's low in fat and provides some carbs and protein, like whole-grain (unsweetened) cereal with milk; some nonfat/low-fat yogurt with fruit, or you might find that a cup of tea with 1 full cup of milk can be both soothing and hydrating and give you enough protein to help you feel a ...
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.
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.
Consuming cereals after the 'Best if Used By' date does not pose a food safety risk. "If you eat a cereal after this date, it simply may not taste as good." Many cereals are like canned foods, which generally stay safe to eat but may lose their texture and color as the months and years pass.
Weet-Bix is a good source of B vitamins including B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin) for energy, as part of a balanced diet. Weet-Bix is high in folate! This B vitamin helps support healthy blood cells and immune system, fights fatigue and maintains a healthy mind, in combination with a balanced diet.