Bedtime Snacks for Runners
I have begun my training season again as I am now rocking the running shoes INJURY FREE and I have a problem.
I am hungry all the dang time.
One thing I forgot about being in beast mode was that you are always in need of something.
– sleep
– food
– stretching
– ice
– a shower
and other basic necessities.
I feel like I spend most of my free time and mental space pursuing these ends.
Today I am going to tackle the question of eating before bed.
You have had a healthy dinner and a full day of quality food and you are heading to bed in about 20 minutes. You are hungry. Do you eat?
Interestingly enough, my answer to this question changes depending on where you are at in your season.
Off season – it is up to you. You can be hungry at this time.
Training – I use the rule that if I am only hungry enough for a glass of almond milk, I just go to sleep.
Racing – EAT ALL THE THINGS.
In any point of training though, my rule is that if my hunger is deep enough to interfere with falling asleep, I eat. I actually keep a box of Quest bars by my night stand. I will literally eat a snack at 3 am if I wake up hungry. Please keep your judgements to yourself.
What are my favourite snacks before bedtime?
Off – Season –
I will occasionally grab a glass of almond milk or drink some water. I normally get away with not eating a snack before heading to sleep.
Training Season –
Veggies, either cooked or raw. If I want an extra shot of protein, I will dip them in hummus.
Fresh fruit – I like apples or bananas.
Piece of sprouted toast with peanut butter or almond butter.
Racing Season –
I have been known to cook up an omelette before bed. The problem is, I have been known to awake 8 hours later with a hunger so intense that I am in physical pain. I do whatever I can to avoid it.
Avocado
Nuts
Cottage Cheese and peaches
The main things you are looking for when you are noshing before bed?
– low in caffeine
– low in sugar
– easily digestible
– lighter meal – you don’t want to go to bed overly full and counteract what you are trying to achieve.
To be completely honest with you, my absolute favourite snack before bed is cereal. Because most cereal is high in sugar and I can eat an entire box in one sitting, I try to avoid it, but I keep a box of it on hand for when I need something quickly, like eating a snack before going out for dinner. But that’s a whole other post…
What are your thoughts about eating before bed?
If you are in favour, what are your favourite snacks?
hahaha I am also always hungry! I may have made a sweet potato at 8pm last night! Don’t Judge Me!
I get it. I had a bowl of cereal at 9 pm. :$
Noticing a trend….
I’ll eat if I’m super hungry and it’s going to interfere with my sleep but otherwise I try to have a snack – if I’m hungry – well before bed so it gives time to digest. Nut butter and veggies or fruit are generally a go-to for me!
Whew! So glad I am not the only hungry girl out there!
Hehehe. You are definitely not the only one here! I’ve been known to eat my lunch as soon as I get to work, or finish all the snacks I brought before noon. I’m not usually that hungry at night, but all day long – eat all the food, all the time, everyday..damn lifting! I can’t imagine if I added in endurance running, I don’t think I could afford the grocery bill either..
I really like how you broke this down between your training and racing seasons. I always want to eat late at night. It’s mainly because I’m just snacky and bored though rather than actually hungry. I’m like you and love cereal, but the suggested serving sizes totally don’t agree with me, so I try to avoid cereal at night.
I have been having trouble waking up in the middle of the night really hungry. I have to have a snack before I can fall asleep. I usually have cereal and milk before bed. Suggestions?