7 Great & Smart Nighttime Snacks by 7 Great & Smart Nighttime Snacks We’re conditioned to avoid nighttime snacking when we’re trying to shed unwanted pounds. However, if you’re famished for a nosh at 9:45pm—like can’t possibly get to sleep because you’re so darn hungry—then the good news is that you can snack on one of these moderately-portioned, healthy carb and protein snacks without totally destroying your weight loss goals.1. Banana with Nut Butter A small banana will help to satisfy your sweet tooth and healthy carb cravings. And add a smear of nut butter (i.e., raw almond butter) for a little protein power. Plus, this nana-butter snack is tasty and light, weighing in at roughly 200-calories. Keep in mind also that eating protein prior to bed is not always a bad thing—a quality protein supports muscle mass, which will in turn, reinforce your weight loss efforts, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.2. Sip a Green Smoothie For a light but satisfying sip before bedtime, a smoothie made with all simple, fresh carbohydrates—think fresh or frozen berries with no sugar added, or sliced peaches or mango, and handful of leafy greens (spinach blends the best with fruit). Oh and make sure to add some sweetness with a frozen banana.3. Tuck into Hummus and Pita Another perfect pre-bedtime protein and wholesome carbohydrate combination is hummus and toasted pita—to be exact, scoop 4-tablespoons of hummus and toast a small whole-wheat pita.4. Combine Pineapple and Cottage Cheese On those nights you just need a little something to tied you over until morning, Rhode Island-based Registered Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist, Mary Hartley, recommends a light snack—between 150 and 200 calories—to prevent turning this little chow down into your fourth meal of the day.5. Munch Air-Popped Popcorn Sure a buttery tub of popcorn is the ideal snack at the movie theatre, but is it a smart, late-night option? While the finger-licking good option might not be wise due to excessive buttery fats—it turns out that the lighter air-popped version is perfect prior to bedtime.6. Healthy Baked Apple This snack suspiciously sounds like dessert—which is why the nutritious + delicious combination has made it my staple bedtime snack when I can’t banish chocolate cake from my reoccurring dreams.7. Chow on Cherries According to research published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, cherries not only make a juicy bedtime snack—they’re also one of the few raw foods that trigger melatonin production, a chemical responsible for the body’s internal, sleep-regulating clock.