As nighttime eating is a difficult problem for me and many of our readers, I have some suggestions.  A lot of experts say just “don’t eat at night,” or “never eat after 8pm,” but a lot of folks just have to have something.  One approach is to have low-calorie and low-fat items, if you cannot avoid eating at night.  Have something that has some substance and texture to fill you, but not make weight loss or weight maintenance a problem.  Here are some easy recipes for you to try.

Cinnamon-Banana Applesauce
Only three ingredients: sugar-free, natural applesauce, a sliced banana, and a dash of cinnamon.  Cinnamon is thought to be a natural appetite suppressant.

Soothing Smoothie
½ cup juice (apple, strawberry, cranberry – but no citrus)
1 banana
1 cup ice cubes
1 tablespoon protein powder (optional)

Blend in a blender adding ingredients a little at a time. Blend until nice and frothy. The banana and/or protein powder gives it some body, without high calories or fat.

Vegetable Midnight Medley
A whole new idea for a snack at night is to have some sautéed vegetables.  Just cut up some of your favorites – onion, green pepper, carrot, broccoli, etc. – throw them in a skillet with 1/8 cup water, to steam them.  It’s a hot and tasty snack, with very few calories and scant trace of fat.  You might want to make extra for other nights during the week, which you can heat-up when you’re ready.

Of course, before you eat and sleep, say some prayers thanking God for your day.

Please share these with your friends, and post your own ideas and experiences below.