Coffee (obviously) and 5 other foods to avoid before going to bed!

Gourmandize

Nutritionists have always told us to avoid eating right before going to bed. And they’re right. If you eat after 10pm, then you’re going to bed while your stomach is in the middle of the digestion process.

But the choice of dinnertime is not the only factor that has an effect on the quality of sleep. There are also certain foods that can stop you from getting the sleep that your body so desperately needs.

Curious to know which foods you should avoid? Read our list of the top 6 foods that you absolutely must avoid before going to bed!

Foods that make you feel heavy

No one ever sleeps well after overeating. Not only do we feel physically heavy, but we also suffer from stomachaches and indigestion when we eat too much.

So one of the keys to a good night’s sleep is avoiding large meals right before bedtime. This means you need to take it easy on anything that’s rich in cheese, cream, carbs, or fat. So put the cheese fries away and opt for a lighter choice instead.

Drinks that keep you awake

So you’ve eaten too much, and you think that drinking a cup of coffee or a mug of tea right after your meal will help you digest. Wrong! Coffee and tea contain substances that have been scientifically proven to keep you awake. If you really feel the need for a warm drink after a meal then try herbal tea instead.

Foods that make you pee

Sure, we all enjoy eating cherries, cranberries or celery. They’re light, fresh, rich in vitamins and they taste good. But did you know that these foods make you need to empty your bladder more often than usual? And since there’s nothing worse than having to get up in the middle of the night for a trip to the toilet, make sure you avoid these foods right before going to bed.

Foods that have an acidic effect on your stomach

Some people are more sensitive to spices than others. Even black pepper can cause heart burn and acidity for some. So to avoid suffering from indigestion all night long, you should avoid eating spicy or overly spiced food for dinner. But if you really can’t stay away from that Thai curry that you’re craving, try diluting a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to help neutralize the acidity in your stomach and aid digestion.

Foods that make you hot

Yes, we’re talking about alcohol. When you drink too much alcohol you often wake up several times during the night sweating and feeling hot. A glass of wine with dinner won’t have such a dramatic effect, but abusing alcohol will.  

Foods that make you thirsty

Chips, cold cuts, cheese, smoked salmon, canned tuna…what do all these things have in common? They make you thirsty! If you consume them at night, make sure to eat some bread on the side to neutralize the salty flavor, and of course, hydrate hydrate hydrate!

More steaming articles

10 foods you should NEVER store in the... Red wine and cheese: friends or foes? What is a Gluten Free Diet?

Chef Tips and Tricks