Staying up late studying or working can lead to a lot of late-night cravings. Many students are tempted to nibble on a candy bar or munch on some potato chips while cranking out that essay or studying for a quiz. However, junk food and sleep debt are a nasty combination: foods high in sugar or oil can make you feel even more fatigued after a brief high, and, as multiple studies prove, the additional trans fats are never a good thing. Here are some healthier snack options to suggest to your teen the next time a craving hits.
When they’re craving: potato chips
Potato chips have an equally crunchy, but much more healthy cousin: sweet potato chips. While these give you something to munch on, they generally use less oil and fill you up quickly. You can buy some easily at supermarkets in China, or bake your own using this recipe.
When they’re craving: chocolate bars
While store-bought candy bars like Snickers or Twix are packed with sugar, studies show that a little chocolate is good for your health (and your soul). Instead, enjoy a similar taste with much less guilt by eating some dark chocolate bites – I like this one. Or, try these chocolate-coated blueberries. Another snack worth trying is the Dali Bar, nutritional bars made with superfoods with no added sugar.
When they’re craving: soda
Soda may taste like heaven, but its sugar content is quite the opposite. Instead, flavor your water with slices of fresh fruit. My go-to drink is iced water with lemon, strawberry, and basil. Check out this blog for more suggestions on how to bedazzle your shui.
When they’re craving: pizza
There’s nothing quite like a nice, cheesy slice of pizza on a late night. However, there are a few things that come quite close. Find recipes for meatball sliders, eggplant pie, and other tasty-but-healthy pizza alternatives here.
Photo by Pavel260
