Tasty Treat Late Night Eats
We all know the drill, you get off of a double shift and you go home to a feast of night cheeses and pasta. Sooooo tasty but most likely as you lay down to snooze your stomach is flipping you the double birds. What’s a hard-working citizen to do?!?! Going to bed hungry is NOT an option. Feel free to toss out the age old idea that you don’t burn calories in your sleep. Your metabolism will certainly slow down a bit but your body has earned those nutrients so un-bitch up and make something that it deserves no matter how late you get home from work!!!
When cooking late at night keep a few things in mind… 1) Aim for meals that include complex carbs like whole wheat, lots of veggies, and protein. All the other stuff can wait till morning but these three power players will fill you up without making you feel like you ate a brick. 2) Avoid foods that are fried, sugary, super spicy, or caffeinated. All of those things will mess with proper sleep. And guuuuurl you know you need that beautyrest!! 3) Drink a large glass of water or herbal tea with your night dinner. Not only will it help fill you up and feel satisfied but you damn well should be hydrated before bed. I swear on all the cute puppies of the world that if you are having a post-shift drink, and believe me I needed a proper glass of wine or bourbon after my shifts, then you bettah be drinking water glasses times TWO. GET IN THE ZONE. THE WATER ZONE.
So what are my favorite treats? BEHOLD….
- ½ an avocado with Sriracha. It’s so simple but if I need something creamy and a little spicy I’ll scoop up avocado straight out of the skin like a GANGSTA!!! V delish. Yum Time amaze.
- Cereal with almond milk, fruit and cinnamon. Wake up fools it’s breakfast FO dinner! Crunchy, creamy, carby, light and refreshing?!?!? It’s the perfect meal.
- Quinoa polenta mini pizzas. Is your mind blown yet? Who doesn’t want pizza all the time but realizes that eating pizza for every meal is not a sustainable lifestyle. (If you are not a 19 year old boy and are living this life, you must stop now). Slice up the quinoa polenta (yes this exists) and top with sliced tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Pop those bad boys into the oven at 350 for 10-15 minutes and you have tasty, good for you pizza delights. You’re welcome world.
- Whole grain crackers with hummus and lunch meat. Feeling super lazy after work and can’t muster up a meal? Welcome to lunchables for adults. Get crazy kids.
- Whole wheat pita wrap with sliced turkey, cucumber, and tomatoes. Get yo wrap on peeps. Wraps are a gift from the world of carbs. Be grateful and use them. The options are endless and they all leave you feeling full without overdoing it.
- Frozen blueberries and strawberries with cool whip. That’s right all you dessert whores out there….this is the ultimate sweet tooth treat that is packed with healthy antioxidants yet still feels indulgent.
- Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Making tomato soup from scratch is super easy and you should look up how and better yourself in the art of soup tonight. Making large batches of soups is one of my greatest tricks. It’s easy, quick, and you have days worth of tasty soup. SOUP FOR DAYS YOU GUYS!!!! Also, make your grilled cheese healthier by using whole wheat bread, low fat cheese, and including veggies in the sandwich to make up for less cheese. I know we all want all the cheese all the cheesy time, but welcome to gut compromise.
- Toast with almond butter, banana, and honey. This is one of the greatest combos in the history of nut butters. Treat yo self!!!
- Hard boiled eggs with mustard on toast. Got any grey poupon?!? Why yes. Yes you do. On your tasty night sandwich that’s packed with protein.
Do you have any favorite late night eats? I always came up with my most creative meals when working with random groceries and a time frame of, “must eat now then pass out.” Good luck with your healthier eats my friends!
Netflixin’ and Chillin’ at 2 am,
Julia