The 10 Foods You Should Not Eat Before Going To Bed
Sausages, red meat and foods rich in sugar are some of the options that you should avoid before going to sleep.
There are several foods that you should not eat before going to bed, as they make it difficult to rest, slow down digestion and can even make you gain weight.
Therefore, when health, diet and nutrition experts indicate that the ideal is to have a light dinner, at least three hours before going to bed, they are not trying to impose a rule without any foundation. In fact, they are helping you make the best decisions so that you can enjoy well-being on a daily basis.
Although there are foods that seem like harmless and appetizing choices, it is best to avoid them and instead opt for lighter foods, such as vegetables, for example.
We will tell you more about this topic below.
The last choice of the day is important
Sometimes you may feel a little hungry before going to bed. Even if you have had a light dinner in the previous hours, it is normal to feel some other craving just before going to sleep.
The problem is that you don’t always choose the best for you, but rather you get carried away by the thought of “anything is worth to me at this hour. As a result of those poor decisions, you may experience digestive discomfort and other discomforts that prevent you from sleeping well.
There are those who say that they cannot eat certain foods because they have nightmares and a bad rest in every way. Not even in small quantities. For this reason, the last thing you eat in the day matters, and a lot.
For this reason, it is essential to adopt healthy eating habits and, above all, avoid (or at least try to limit) the consumption of foods that you should not eat before going to bed.
Foods you should not eat before bed
This is a list of some of the foods that you should not eat before bed, but keep in mind that there may be more to consider if you suffer from some type of intolerance or gastrointestinal problem.
1. Butter
Butter can be used as an additive to many preparations. However, due to its high content of saturated fat, it is not advisable to take it before bed.
Although in general its consumption should be moderate, it is advisable to avoid it at night, as it can cause digestive difficulties.
2. Candy bars, high in calories
Eating a small candy bar at this time of day may seem harmless to many. The problem is that these types of foods are high in refined sugars that can alter the quality of sleep.
Some of its compounds stimulate the activity of the nervous system and put the brain in a state of alert that prevents sleep. In fact, it is said that they can increase the chances of having nightmares.
3. Ice cream
It’s a bad idea to quell late night cravings with a glass of ice cream. This food concentrates high doses of fats, sugars and added compounds that alter the metabolism and the activity of the nervous system.
When consuming it, digestion slows down and discomforts such as pain and inflammation may appear, which affect rest.
4. Hot sauces
This type of food gives a touch of flavor to many preparations. Despite this, they should not be taken at night, as they alter the production of acidic juices in the stomach.
Taking them before going to bed can cause episodes of acid reflux and abdominal burning. In addition, they contain too many calories and can contribute to being overweight.
5. Sausages
Although they always look fresh and appetizing, hot dogs and other similar cold cuts are full of fats and chemicals that are not good for the body.
In general, it is essential to limit your consumption as much as possible so as not to have overweight problems. When eaten at night they are heavy on metabolism and digestion.
6. Cheeses
The downside to eating cheese before going to sleep is that it contains a monoamine known as tyramine, which decreases the secretion of hormones that regulate sleep.
Whether alone or added to recipes, it is a heavy, high-fat food that can cause inflammatory imbalances and stomach ailments.
7. Bread
Bread and other bakery products seem like a quick option to combat hunger pangs. However, they should not be taken before bed, since they are an extra load of unnecessary calories.
Its content of refined flour and sugars negatively impacts metabolic health and increases the risk of overweight and blood glucose problems.
8. Chocolate
Eating a small serving of chocolate a day has many benefits. This food is packed with antioxidants and essential amino acids that promote physical and mental well-being.
However, it is not recommended to take it at night, since among its ingredients it also has stimulating substances that prevent you from sleeping well.
9. Red meat
Red meat contains proteins and saturated fats that make it difficult for the digestive system to work during the rest period.
Although its nutrients are beneficial when consumed in moderation, it is best to avoid them at night to avoid interruptions in sleep.
10. Coffee
Coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine should be avoided at this time of day. Although in small doses they provide a feeling of well-being, they also put the brain on alert. This means that, once assimilated, they will keep the body awake for at least several hours.
It is best to have a light and early dinner
When you have a craving for something to eat before bed, remember to avoid foods you shouldn’t eat before bed. Instead, you can always choose some plain yogurt (or Greek, if you prefer) and other healthy snacks.
Remember that you can also drink a chamomile infusion to ensure a good night’s sleep. Of course, do not forget to comply with a whole healthy sleep ritual.
