28 Guilt-Free Late Night Snacks to Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check
Finding the right bedtime snack can be a challenge, especially if you’re mindful of your blood sugar levels. Late-night cravings can lead to unhealthy choices that may cause spikes in blood glucose, disrupting your sleep and overall health. But worry not! This list of low-carb, blood-sugar-friendly snacks will satisfy your evening hunger without sending your blood sugar levels soaring.
1. Greek Yogurt with Berries
Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse, and when paired with antioxidant-rich berries, it becomes a creamy and satisfying snack. The natural sweetness of the berries complements the tangy yogurt, offering a low-carb, high-protein treat that supports stable blood sugar levels. Ensure the yogurt is unsweetened and berries are consumed in moderation to avoid sugar spikes.
2. Almonds
A small handful of almonds provides a perfect mix of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. These nutrients help slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, making almonds an ideal bedtime snack that keeps hunger at bay. Portion control is key, as too many almonds can add up in carbs and calories.
3. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is rich in protein and calcium, and it’s low in carbohydrates. This creamy snack helps to promote a feeling of fullness while maintaining steady blood sugar levels throughout the night. Opt for plain, unsweetened cottage cheese to avoid hidden sugars.
4. Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter
Celery sticks are low in calories and carbs, making them an excellent base for a dollop of peanut butter. The combination of fiber from the celery and healthy fats from the peanut butter creates a satisfying and blood sugar-friendly snack. Choose natural peanut butter without added sugar for the best results.
5. Avocado Slices
Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. These healthy fats help stabilize blood sugar levels, making avocado slices a perfect, satiating bedtime treat. Stick to plain avocado slices without added toppings that may contain sugar.
6. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a convenient, protein-rich snack. They are low in carbohydrates, making them a great option for keeping your blood sugar levels in check while providing sustained energy through the night. Enjoy them plain or with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.
7. Cheese Slices
Cheese is a delicious, low-carb snack that is high in protein and calcium. The fat content in cheese helps slow the absorption of sugars, making it a great option for a bedtime snack that won’t spike your blood sugar. Opt for full-fat cheese for better blood sugar management.
8. Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. When made into a pudding with unsweetened almond milk, this snack becomes a filling, low-carb option that supports stable blood sugar levels overnight. Ensure the pudding is unsweetened or uses a sugar substitute that doesn’t raise blood sugar.
9. Cucumber Slices with Hummus
Cucumbers are low in carbs and calories, making them an excellent pairing with protein-rich hummus. This combination offers a crunchy, satisfying snack that keeps blood sugar levels steady. Check the hummus for added sugars or make your own at home to control the ingredients.
10. Walnuts
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These healthy fats, combined with protein and fiber, make walnuts a heart-healthy snack that won’t cause blood sugar spikes. Like almonds, portion control is important to avoid excess calorie intake.
11. Turkey Slices
Lean turkey slices are rich in protein, which helps to keep you full longer. This low-carb, high-protein snack is perfect for maintaining stable blood sugar levels, especially before bed. Opt for low-sodium, preservative-free turkey slices to avoid unnecessary additives.
12. Zucchini Chips
Baked zucchini chips are a low-carb alternative to traditional chips. Lightly seasoned and baked to perfection, they provide a satisfying crunch without the blood sugar spikes associated with high-carb snacks. Avoid adding any high-carb or sugary seasonings to keep them blood sugar-friendly.
13. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack rich in magnesium, protein, and healthy fats. These seeds help regulate blood sugar levels and make for a filling bedtime snack that supports restful sleep. Eat them raw or lightly roasted without added sugar or salt.
14. Olives
Olives are low in carbs and high in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats. This makes them a great option for a savory snack that keeps your blood sugar stable throughout the night. Stick to plain olives without added marinades that may contain sugars.
15. Half an Apple with Almond Butter
Caution: Apple contains natural sugars. While the fiber in apples slows down the absorption of sugar, it’s best to opt for a smaller portion to avoid blood sugar spikes. Almond butter provides healthy fats and protein, balancing out the natural sugars in the apple. Stick to a small apple or even half to minimize sugar intake.
16. Low-Sugar Protein Shake
A low-sugar protein shake made with unsweetened almond milk or water is a quick and convenient snack. It provides protein to keep you full and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making it perfect for a late-night treat. Ensure the protein powder used is low in carbs and free from added sugars.
17. Edamame
Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. These green soybeans are low in carbs and have a low glycemic index, making them a smart choice for keeping your blood sugar levels stable before bed. Season them lightly without adding soy sauce or other high-sodium condiments.
18. String Cheese
String cheese is a portable and convenient snack that’s rich in protein and calcium. It’s low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for a quick, blood sugar-stabilizing snack before bed. Choose full-fat string cheese for better blood sugar control.
19. Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks are low in carbs and calories, with a bit of fiber to help keep you full. These savory snacks are a great option for satisfying late-night cravings without affecting blood sugar levels. Choose plain seaweed snacks without added flavors or sugars.
20. Broccoli Florets with Cheese Dip
Broccoli florets are high in fiber and low in carbs, making them a great base for a creamy cheese dip. This snack is filling and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the night. Make sure the cheese dip is low in carbs and free from added sugars.
21. Cucumber Slices with Feta Cheese
The crispness of cucumber pairs perfectly with the salty, tangy flavor of feta cheese. This low-carb, high-protein snack is refreshing and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making it ideal for bedtime. Ensure the feta is not mixed with high-sodium or sugary additives.
22. Bell Pepper Strips with Greek Yogurt Dip
Bell peppers are low in carbs and packed with vitamin C. Paired with a creamy Greek yogurt dip, this snack is not only satisfying but also supports stable blood sugar levels throughout the night. Use plain Greek yogurt and add herbs instead of sugar-laden dressings.
23. Berries with Whipped Cream
A small serving of berries with a dollop of whipped cream provides a sweet yet low-sugar snack. The fiber in the berries helps slow down sugar absorption, making it a delicious and blood-sugar-friendly treat. Use sugar-free whipped cream or a homemade version to avoid added sugars.
24. Small Handful of Mixed Nuts
A mix of nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans offers a variety of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. This combination is perfect for curbing hunger while keeping blood sugar levels steady. Stick to a small portion to avoid excess carbs and calories.
25. Turkey or Chicken Roll-Ups
Roll up slices of turkey or chicken around a piece of cheese or cucumber for a high-protein, low-carb snack. This combination helps maintain steady blood sugar levels and satisfies late-night cravings. Opt for low-sodium, preservative-free meats and avoid processed cheese.
26. Radish Slices with Cream Cheese
Radish slices are crunchy and low in carbs, making them an excellent vehicle for a small amount of cream cheese. This snack is satisfying and helps keep blood sugar levels in check. Use full-fat cream cheese for better blood sugar control and avoid flavored versions.
27. Mini Caprese Skewers
Combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a fresh and flavorful snack. Drizzle with olive oil for added healthy fats, making this a low-carb, blood sugar-friendly option for bedtime. Opt for fresh mozzarella and be mindful of the portion size of tomatoes due to their natural sugars.
28. Small Handful of Pecans
Pecans are rich in healthy fats and low in carbs, making them a perfect snack for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Their natural sweetness also helps curb cravings without added sugars. As with other nuts, portion control is key to avoid excess calorie intake.
