ZOZOFIT knows that finding time for exercise isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. Even if your schedule only leaves you time to work out at night, you can still get great benefits. What if you feel hungry afterward? Doesn’t eating late at night make you gain weight? Not if you know what to eat after a late-night workout.

What To Eat After a Late-Night Workout To Avoid Gaining Weight

The main reason snacking at night can lead to weight gain isn’t because of when you eat but what you eat. Many midnight snacks involve high-calorie foods, such as ice cream, cookies, nachos, pizza and potato chips. All of that fat and sugar can add to anyone’s waistline overnight.

That said, if your stomach is growling, it’s better to eat something than to toss and turn all night long. Choose nutritious, filling foods that are easy to digest: popcorn, bananas, carrots and hummus, or apples and peanut butter.

What To Eat After a Late-Night Workout for Muscle Recovery

Another factor to consider when eating after a workout is how to boost your muscle recovery and encourage your body to build new muscle tissue. That means protein. Try these fantastic protein powerhouses after your next exercise session:

• Eggs
• Yogurt
• Grilled chicken breast or turkey breast
• Peanut butter
• Whey protein smoothie

While these are healthy snack options, it is still important to opt for an appropriate serving size.

Are Any Carbs OK at Night?

It’s OK to pair your protein with a small portion of carbohydrates for refueling, but don’t overdo it. For example, a homemade turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread with leafy greens is fine (no mayo, though). Greek yogurt with berries can lift your spirits, too.

Is Water A Good Choice Before Bed?

Rehydration after working out is a good thing. Replenishing liquids supports muscle recovery, limits cramping and transports important nutrients. Plus, it helps cool you down, which is important if you want to sleep well.

You need to be balanced, though. Using the bathroom in the middle of the night can make it hard to fall back asleep. Give yourself an hour between your last glass of water and bedtime so you have a chance to urinate first.

What To Eat After a Late-Night Workout To Sleep Like a Baby

Some foods can potentially support healthy sleep after a workout. The Sleep Foundation recommends nutritious foods that have magnesium or melatonin, including:

• Bananas
• Almonds, cashews or walnuts
• Oatmeal
• Kiwi, pineapple or tart cherries
• Plain yogurt with berries

Foods that have magnesium can contribute to feelings of calm and well-being, which is helpful for falling asleep. Magnesium and melatonin are also related to your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

What To Eat After a Late-Night Workout for Your Body

Every person is different, so it’s smart to pay attention to your body when choosing post-workout snacks. If you notice that certain fruits give you heartburn at night, avoid acidic options. If dairy foods give you gas after working out, skip the yogurt and enjoy a hard-boiled egg instead.

Productive exercise is all about setting and achieving personal goals to stay motivated. When deciding what to eat after a late-night workout, listen to your gut. ZOZOFIT is right there to help you track your progress when you use our 3D body scanning technology and digital fitness toolboox, all accessible in our app.