Benefits of Drinking Smoothies At Night
Here are some of the key benefits of drinking healthy smoothies at night:
Sleep-Promoting Ingredients
Ingredients like tart cherries, bananas, kiwi, yogurt, and milk can help promote relaxation and sleep due to their magnesium and tryptophan content. Tart cherries are high in melatonin, the natural sleep hormone.
Portion Control
Night smoothies are meant to be smaller, around 8 oz, to avoid disrupting sleep with a heavy meal. This helps with portion control and prevents overeating before bed.
Reduced Food Cravings
The protein and fiber in smoothies can help manage food cravings and keep you feeling full and satisfied. This is especially helpful for late-night snacking.
Increased Fruit and Vegetable Intake
Smoothies make it easy to pack in multiple servings of fruits and veggies in one drink. This helps ensure you're getting a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
Hydration
Smoothies made with water, milk or juices contribute to your overall fluid intake and hydration levels. Staying hydrated is important for health.
Relaxing Ritual
Having a nightly smoothie can be part of a relaxing bedtime routine, along with unplugging from devices and practicing stress-reducing activities like meditation. The ritual itself can help cue your body to relax and wind down.
However, it's important to watch the calorie content of smoothies and avoid ingredients like added sugars that could lead to weight gain. Smoothies should be low in calories and high in nutrients to support your health and weight goals.