Cherries are known for being one of the best foods for sleep as they naturally contain melatonin. Snacking on cherries or drinking cherry juice can help promote longer, deeper sleep.
Bananas are one of the few fruits known to be relatively rich in the nerve messenger serotonin, some of which your body converts to melatonin (16). Almonds and almond butter supply some melatonin as well.
Nuts and Seeds
High-sodium diets are linked to poorer sleep quality. Unsalted nuts and or seeds might be a good substitute for salty snacks like potato chips. Pistachios contain the highest amount of melatonin within the nut family. Pistachios also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is related to sleep quality.
Citrus Fruit
The citrus in oranges, clementines, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons and kumquats will cause your stomach to produce excessive amounts of acid that will make it very difficult for you to sleep.
Apples are a good source of potassium and vitamin B6 which both aid in sleep. In addition, apples are a great source of vitamin C with about 10 mg per large apple. Vitamin C helps you sleep better because it helps manage your blood sugar, lower blood pressure and even improve your breathing.
The best fruits to eat at night for weight loss are melons, cantaloupe, and honeydew. These have good water content and are less in calories. Therefore, apart from satisfying your sweet tooth, they will also help in losing weight.
Heavy Foods
Meals which seem to weigh on your stomach actually take longer to digest. Fatty, cheesy and fried foods can lead to indigestion and keep you up at night. Avoid things like cheeseburgers, fries, fried foods and large steaks late in the day.
Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs. Doing calming activities before bedtime, such as taking a bath or using relaxation techniques, might promote better sleep.
Plus bananas can provide a great boost to your brain. While many people think of bananas as a way to start your day, eating one around lunch can give you the energy you need to power through and have a strong afternoon.
The best time to eat dinner is 3 hours before bedtime, allowing the stomach to properly digest and focus on preparing for sleep when bedtime rolls around the corner. Eating small amounts of foods like complex carbs, fruits, veggies, or a small amount of protein will satiate hunger pains and help you fall asleep faster.
Pineapple and Papaya: These two tropical fruits contain the enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties and shrinks belly fat.
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Avocados top the list of fruits that have a high-fat content, but they are on the top of the list of fat burning fruits as well. Avocadoes helps to increase certain hormones that aid weight loss and also inform our brain that our stomach is full, thus helping to prevent unhealthy food cravings.
Berries, including blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, may be a good energy boosting food when the body is craving something sweet. Dark berries tend to be higher in natural antioxidants than lighter-colored ones, which may reduce inflammation and fatigue in the body.
Spend those last few minutes before you head to sleep enjoying a ritual that brings you nothing but joy. Pick up a good book, try a little meditation, or run through a light, relaxing yoga sequence.
Fresh Fruit and Nuts
Plus, both fruit and nuts bring a lot of nutritional benefits to the table, including vitamins, minerals, protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and fiber. The upshot: They make for a nourishing combination that will keep you satisfied so you can fall asleep.
Chocolate-covered nuts
“You can't go wrong with dark chocolate and nuts to satisfy hunger before bedtime, thanks to the blood-stabilizing protein and healthy fat coming from the nuts,” she explained. “The dark chocolate is just the right amount of sweet, too.”
“Those who get hungry before bed can try eating low-caloric snacks which may help with hunger, but decrease the possible adverse effects of eating so late,” McHill says. If you're needing a bigger meal later in the evening, make sure the foods aren't keeping you up with bloating, heartburn, or acid reflux.