Senior Health The Worst Bedtime Snacks 9/6/2024 | By Christina Manian RDN It’s best to try to give your body some time to digest before lying down for the night, and eating too late makes you feel too full when you’re trying to comfortably snooze. Watch out for these foods especially. These are the worst bedtime snacks that could keep you up way longer than you’d like. 7 of the worst bedtime snacks Tomatoes “For those with acid reflux problems (or women who temporarily have them while pregnant), tomatoes and other acidic foods can cause pain and discomfort in the esophagus when you lay down,” says Kelly Jones M.S., RD, CSSD, LDN. Enjoy them earlier in the day when you’ll be upright and be sure to eat them with other non-acidic foods that balance out the reaction in your stomach. Cheeseburgers A cheeseburger (just like all foods) can be enjoyed from time to time as part of a healthy eating pattern but late night isn’t the best time to enjoy them. “The excessive amounts of saturated fat can slow gastric emptying, leaving food in your stomach, and blood flow directed there while you’re trying to fall asleep,” says Jones. This can cause the body’s hormones to shift to digestion and absorption, rather than sleep. Donuts Save your donut to have with an omelet in the morning (some good protein!) or as a special treat from time to time. “This food is both fried and high in sugar which can cause digestive discomfort and blood sugar reactions for some people,” says Jones. Remember that thing called a sugar rush? Definitely not the best option before hitting the hay. Chocolate “While it’s many people’s favorite way to snack at night, chocolate does contain caffeine,” says Jones. Caffeine can be stimulating, so if you’re sensitive, you’ll want to steer clear. “Many people opt for dark chocolate because it’s lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants, but its’ higher in caffeine as well, so those sensitive to it may have trouble falling asleep if this is when they opt to eat it.” Dried fruit Dried fruit is high in fiber and naturally-occurring sugar, both of which can lead to an overactive digestive system too close to bed. Fiber has so many amazing health benefits but when you’re chowing down on dried fruit late at night, you may end up having a little too much fiber too soon, which can lead to gas and bloating that might keep you (or your partner) up at night. Instead, stick with a small serving of fresh fruit, like a small apple or a cup of berries. Spicy foods Go mild when close to bedtime as spicy foods, like hot chili peppers and certain sauces and condiments, can be more acidic and lead to digestive discomfort. Plus, if you have acid reflux, it may act as a trigger, making this one of the worst of the worst bedtime snacks. Pizza This is a doozy for quality sleep: acidic tomato sauce, high-fat cheese and refined bread might leave your tummy rumbling when you go to lay down. Don’t get us wrong, pizza is absolutely delicious and if you do end up eating a slice or two close to bed, go with a healthier thin-style crust (like a cauliflower or whole-wheat crust), opt for light vs. heavy cheese if possible and ditch the marinara sauce for something light, like an olive-oil based sauce. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com. ©2024 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Read more nutrition articles on Seniors Guide for your healthiest lifestyle: 5 Portion Control Tips to Help Your Body Eat What it Needs Read More Christina Manian RDN