Health - Wellness
When You Eat Peanut Butter Before Bed, This Is What Happens
By NICOLE LAMARCO
A 2015 study examined the effect of small, protein-rich snacks of about 150 calories before bed in healthy men and found that these snacks can be beneficial for feeling full, morning metabolism, and overnight muscle synthesis. While chips or crackers may not be great options for a late-night snack, peanut butter may just be a perfect choice.
One reason peanut butter is a good option is that it is high in tryptophan, which can help burn calories while sleeping. Two tablespoons of natural peanut butter contain 190 calories, and one and a half tablespoons of peanut butter would be about 142.5 calories, closer to the calorie count in the research.
Mixing peanut butter with bananas can help you drift away, as bananas are high in magnesium and potassium, which can help you relax. You can also spread peanut butter on half of a whole wheat bagel to satisfy your carb cravings or on a slice of whole-grain toast containing B vitamins to help absorb the tryptophan.