Late Night? Grab A Snack!

Late Night? Grab A Snack!
FREE DAILY DIET TIP
By Joel Marion, CISSN, NSCA-CPT
Published November 19, 2008

Although typically shunned by the weight-loss community, a little pre-bedtime snack can yield quite a few benefits when done right. It can’t fall into the typical carb-laden munchie category: potato chips, cookies, etc. Instead, reach for a slow-digesting source of protein, such as chicken, fish or turkey. These low-carb, high-protein choices won’t give rise to insulin (the major reason after-dinner snacks are discouraged), but will help fuel muscle tissue as you retire for the evening. For example, if you finished dinner at 7 p.m. and then ate nothing until you woke up the next morning at 7 a.m., you just went a full 12 hours without feeding your muscles whatsoever. This is a sure recipe for muscle loss, especially when you’re dieting and already restricting calories. Additionally, many proteins are rich in tryptophan – an amino acid that is often used in sleep-promoting supplements as it has been scientifically proven to have a relaxing effect on the mind and body. For less hunger, a faster metabolism and better sleep, grab a protein-rich snack!
To your body transformation success,Joel Marion