12 Healthy Snacks That Are Perfect For the Midnight Munchies

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

While late-night eating may not be as bad for your waistline as you think, that doesn't mean that all snacks are created equal. The best late-night snacks are easy to digest so you don't lie awake from feeling too full. Carbs are good, but it's a good idea to avoid too much fiber, protein, or fat. If your late-night eating includes buttery grilled cheese, ice cream, or gobs of peanut butter, here are a few healthier options for you. Make these low-calorie options ahead of time for quick snacking when the mood strikes!

Instead of: Brownies
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Brownies

Skip the brownies made with sugar and white flour and go for these no-bake brownies — they're under 60 calories a square.

Instead of: Candy Bars
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Candy Bars

Snickers may be calling your name, but you won't feel very good after inhaling an entire bar. Make these chocolate almond protein bars instead. They're totally vegan and made with just five ingredients (plus salt and cinnamon for flavor), and you can whip them up in less than 20 minutes.

Instead of: Cookies
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Cookies

Blend up a dairy-free batch of chocolate chip cookie dough freezer fudge; it's sweet and satisfying, packed with protein, and is made with a secret high-protein ingredient.

Instead of: Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Chips

If you're craving something salty and savory, don't dig into a bag of fattening potato chips. Instead, bake a batch of these salted carrot chips. One serving is just 79 calories. Or give low-carb spinach chips a try. They're delicate, light, and crispy, and they also come with a built-in handle, which makes them even more fun to nosh.

Instead of: Ice Cream
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Ice Cream

Still craving something cold and creamy? Keep a sliced banana or two in your freezer so you can whip up this low-calorie, vegan cherry chocolate chip ice cream instead of diving into a late-night pint.

Instead of: Ice Cream (Again)
Jenny Sugar
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Ice Cream (Again)

Sometimes you need ice cream, but if you find yourself constantly reaching for the pint, try making a frozen treat that still satisfies you. Pop these frozen chia yogurt grapes in the freezer so you can enjoy when cravings strike.

Instead of: Regular Peanut Butter
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Regular Peanut Butter

It may be full of healthy fats, but peanut butter still is full of all those calories. Instead, whip up a batch of this lower-calorie apple almond butter to keep in your fridge for when the mood strikes. Come bedtime, spread on a few whole-wheat crackers and enjoy.

Instead of: Grilled Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Instead of: Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese may be comforting, but the calorie and fat counts can get really high, really quickly. Make your next sandwich healthier by using whole-wheat bread, lower-fat cheese, and lots of veggies.

Instead of: Too Much Chocolate
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Too Much Chocolate

Whip up this protein-rich, vegan chocolate mousse earlier in the evening (it just needs an hour in the fridge to set). Then, pair with five strawberries, as shown here, for an 87-calorie treat, or scoop out a small serving of mousse for a rich, chocolaty midnight dessert.

Instead of: Too Much Candy
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Too Much Candy

These strawberry banana yogurt creams are sweet enough to replace your Skittles habit without the calories. Eight cream-filled strawberries will only set you back 145 calories while still being substantial enough to satisfy. Make the prep even quicker by dipping the strawberries in the cream instead of filling them.

Instead of: Pizza
Jenny Sugar
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Instead of: Pizza

Pizza is always a late-night (or anytime) favorite, but the grease and globs of cheese can not only undo a day of being healthy, but can also lead to a disruptive sleep. Ditch the heartburn and go for a few quinoa polenta pizza bites that hit the spot.

Instead of: A Glass of OJ
POPSUGAR Photography | Michele Foley

Instead of: A Glass of OJ

Skip the sugar bomb and break out the juicer; this quick sleep-inducing green juice recipe is just as citrusy but also contains anxiety-relieving ingredients like watercress and celery to help you wind down.