Andy Montoya
Late-night snacks are often associated with unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. However, if you're feeling truly hungry, a small, nutrient-rich snack is generally fine. A piece of low-fat string cheese is a great option, as it contains protein and fats, which help keep you full throughout the night. String cheese can be paired with whole-grain crackers, fruit, or a few crackers to make a balanced, healthy late-night snack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 calories per serving |
| Protein | 7-9 grams per serving |
| Fat | Low-fat options available |
| Carbohydrates | Less than 5 grams per stick |
| Nutrients | Calcium, protein, tryptophan, serotonin |
| Health Benefits | May aid sleep, stabilizes blood sugar |
| Serving Suggestions | Whole grain crackers, fruit |
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What You'll Learn
String cheese is a good source of protein
Protein is essential for keeping blood sugar stable and preventing spikes that can lead to metabolic issues and weight gain. Eating more protein during the day is associated with less desire to snack later in the evening.
String cheese is a convenient, portable, and tasty way to get your protein fix before bed. It also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that produces serotonin, which is beneficial for sleep.
Pairing string cheese with whole-grain crackers is a great way to add fiber to your snack, keeping you fuller for longer. You can also pair it with a small piece of fruit, like cherries, which are rich in melatonin, helping to regulate your body's internal clock.
So, if you're looking for a healthy late-night snack, string cheese is a great option to keep you satisfied and support a good night's rest.
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It's a filling snack
String cheese is a filling snack that can help keep you full throughout the night. It contains fats and protein, which are slowly digested, so they help keep you full for longer. A piece of low-fat string cheese has about 7 to 9 grams of protein per serving and just 85 calories, with only a small amount of those calories coming from fat.
When paired with whole wheat crackers, string cheese becomes an excellent mix of proteins, fats, and whole grains. This pairing is also low on the glycemic index scale compared to full-fat cheese and plain crackers.
If you're looking for a more substantial snack, you can pair string cheese with another light snack, such as a small piece of fruit or a few whole grain crackers. Whole grain crackers are high in fiber, which also helps to keep you feeling full longer.
For those with a sweet tooth, string cheese can be paired with some dark chocolate and strawberries. This combination provides a satisfying snack with added health benefits from the cocoa.
Overall, string cheese is a great option for a filling and healthy late-night snack, providing both protein and fats to keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.
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Pair with fruit or crackers
String cheese is a great source of protein and contains fats and amino acids that help keep you full throughout the night. It is a healthy late-night snack option, especially when paired with fruits or crackers.
Whole grain crackers are a great complement to string cheese as they are easy to digest and high in fibre, helping you feel full for longer. This combination of whole grains and protein is a well-balanced snack that will keep your blood sugar stable. You can also pair string cheese with a few Triscuits or rice cakes.
Fruit is another excellent option to pair with string cheese. Fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, and cherries are great choices as they are low in calories and rich in nutrients. Bananas, in particular, are a good source of potassium, which helps calm muscles and prepare the body for sleep. Cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, a compound that helps regulate the body's internal clock and promotes healthy sleep.
For a more substantial snack, you can create a mini cheese board by pairing string cheese with whole-grain crackers, grapes, and cucumber sticks. This combination provides a good balance of nutrients, including calcium and fibre.
In summary, string cheese paired with fruits or crackers can be a nutritious and satisfying late-night snack that won't interfere with your health or sleep.
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Low-fat options are healthier
While string cheese is a good source of protein, which can help you feel full for longer, it is important to opt for low-fat varieties when choosing cheese as a late-night snack. This is because the fat in cheese is more quickly digested than protein, which may disrupt sleep.
Low-fat string cheese is a great option for a late-night snack as it contains about 7 to 9 grams of protein per serving and just 85 calories, with only a small amount of those calories coming from fat. This can be paired with a few whole-grain crackers to add some fibre to your snack, which is another slowly digested macronutrient that will help keep you full throughout the night.
If you're looking for a more substantial snack, you could try a slice of whole-grain toast with a spread of part-skim ricotta and a drizzle of honey, or two rice cakes topped with a slice of low-fat cheese or some mashed avocado. Avocados are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep you feeling sated.
Another option is to make a wrap with a 6-inch whole-wheat tortilla and add some lean protein, like turkey or hummus, as well as some greens such as spinach or arugula. You can also add some avocado to your wrap for those healthy fats.
For a sweet tooth, a homemade smoothie is a great option. Try blending a six-ounce container of plain Greek or Icelandic yogurt, half a cup of frozen dark cherries with the pits removed, one cup of unsweetened almond milk, and ice. Cherries are a source of melatonin, which can help with sleep, and Greek yogurt is high in protein, which keeps you feeling full for longer.
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It's a better alternative to full-fat cheese
String cheese is a great late-night snack option, especially when compared to full-fat cheese. While cheese is a good source of protein, it can also be high in fat. Opting for low-fat string cheese is a healthier alternative, as it provides the same nutritional benefits as full-fat cheese without the extra calories and fat.
String cheese is a convenient and portable snack, making it a perfect option for those late-night cravings. It contains both fats and protein, which are slowly digested, keeping you feeling full and satisfied throughout the night. The protein content also helps control your appetite and puts late-night hunger to rest.
When compared to full-fat cheese, low-fat string cheese has a lower calorie count. A single stick of string cheese typically contains around 7 to 9 grams of protein and about 80 to 85 calories, with only a small portion of those calories coming from fat. This makes it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake, especially if you're aiming for a late-night snack of 200 calories or less.
Additionally, string cheese pairs well with other healthy snacks. You can enjoy it with a few whole-grain crackers, some fruit, or a few nuts. This not only makes for a delicious combination but also adds fiber and other nutrients to your late-night snack, making it a well-rounded and nutritious option.
While string cheese is a healthier alternative to full-fat cheese, it's important to remember that portion sizes matter. Enjoying one or two sticks of string cheese as a late-night snack is a better option than indulging in multiple servings. This way, you get the benefits of the protein and tryptophan, which can aid in sleep, without overindulging.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, string cheese is a healthy late-night snack. It is a good source of protein and fats, which are slowly digested, keeping you full throughout the night. It also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, which is beneficial for sleep.
Some other healthy late-night snacks include:
- Whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese
- Bananas
- Yogurt
- Edamame
- Cherries
- Almonds
- Popcorn
- Smoothies
Here are some tips for healthy late-night snacking:
- Keep the snack under 200 calories.
- Avoid fatty and high-protein foods as they can disrupt sleep.
- Include fibre, protein and healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable and prevent overeating.
