33. Late-Night Cravings? Here's How to Snack Without the Guilt

What if I told you, you can can give into your late-night cravings? You can eat the snacks AND not feel guilty. What’s your reason for late-night snacking? Is it hunger, bad habits, or just mindlessness? There are many scientific reasons why you always find yourself in the middle of the night searching for snacks. But it all comes down to having health and fitness goals and a plan because there’s actually no right or wrong night time snack.     In this episode of Girls Gone Healthy, I have Paige, a retired Division I athlete who is now a registered dietician in central Pennsylvania. She works at a local long-term care facility where she helps residents enjoy food and tailor nutrition plans to meet their medical needs.    Listen in to learn why a heavy snack filled with protein might be a better late-night snack than empty calories that will only leave you hungrier. You will also learn the importance of having goals and a plan to help you manage how you snack.     Key Takeaways:  The importance of having a ‘why’ to help you make healthier choices to reduce your struggles and be motivated towards good decisions.  How stress and the goings of the day increase your food cravings at night.  Why night time snacking depends on your goals and what’s best for you.  Learning to get out of the ‘night-time snacking’ toxic mindset for long-term health goals.  Eating a late dinner versus snacking at night- choosing what’s best for your long-term goals.  The benefits of including proteins and fiber in your late-night snack to make you feel full for longer.  Questions you need to ask yourself to stop snacking at night plus the benefits of starting small in your journey.    Episode Timeline:  [3:39] Paige narrates her journey growing up an athlete which drove her to a dietitian career plus her struggles with fitness.   [9:14] Understanding the science and the reasons behind food cravings at night.  [16:21] Why some people find it easier to eat a late dinner than snacking while others find