Late Night Snacks That Won’t Sabotage Your Pro Cheer Diet
Pro cheerleading can be very demanding on an athlete’s body, forcing them to modify their diet to remain fit. But no matter how much you want to control what you eat, there will be times when your stomach will rumble, calling for a late-night snack. According to a 2017 study, nighttime snacking puts pro cheerleaders at risk for weight gain, impaired fat metabolism, and cardiovascular problems.
There can be several reasons for late-night eating, including overly restricted daytime food intake, physical and emotional stress, out of habit, or simply boredom. Since hunger can strike at any time, it might be challenging to avoid those late-night snacks. If that’s the case, you might as well munch on something healthy. Here are five late-night snacks that won’t sabotage your pro-cheer diet.
1. Chocolate milk
For a sweet treat, chocolate milk is an excellent alternative to high-calorie desserts. An eight-ounce glass of chocolate milk contains 8 grams of protein and 30% of your calcium needs, which can be helpful in your performance as a pro cheerleader.
Meanwhile, a 2021 study suggests that eating 100 grams of milk chocolates an hour before bed may aid fat burning and reduce blood sugar. The same study also found that chocolates help regulate sleep and suppress appetite, which benefits your diet and weight.
2. Cheese and crackers
Other great options for a late-night snack, which are readily available in your kitchen, are cheese and crackers. This combination of balanced carbs and protein can help satisfy your cravings at night without the consequence of gaining weight. Plus, eating cheese and crackers also supports steady blood sugar levels and the production of brain chemicals that allow a continuous restful sleep.
3. Egg muffins
A whole wheat English muffin with egg makes a great weight loss late-night snack option. It’s a
high fiber, low-fat snack with various nutritional benefits, including calcium, magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus. Not only are muffins healthy, but they are also an incredibly delicious snack that will surely satisfy your appetite.
However, a whole wheat muffin may contain up to 250 calories, which is more than the typical recommendation for a snack. So, be sure to eat moderately, especially if you’re not really that hungry.
4. Banana with peanut butter
A banana with peanut butter is an excellent bedtime snack containing vitamin B6 and magnesium — two sleep-promoting nutrients that can help you sleep better. On top of that, bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium (nutrients that relax the muscles), which are crucial for all sorts of physical activity. Plus, they’re cheap and very easy to make.
5. Yogurt
If you want to keep your bones strong, consider having yogurt as a late-night treat. It’s an excellent source of calcium and protein, which can help you make swift and graceful movements, particularly when dancing or doing your workout.
To make this snack more flavorful and delicious, add some unsweetened fruit, such as berries or peaches, and enjoy mouth-watering goodness that will keep you full until the morning after.
Conclusion
Ultimately, eating late at night or an hour before bed is not ideal, especially for a pro cheerleader. However, If you get truly hungry late at night or can’t ignore your cravings, at least make sure to choose snacks that won’t sabotage your pro-cheer diet.
While there are several other healthy food choices for a late-night snack, you can start with these five options. Indulging yourself in a few late-night snacks may not necessarily ruin your diet as long as you keep things reasonably healthy and try not to make it a nightly habit.
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