Foods and Drink to Avoid after 9pm

No matter what body building regime you are following, whether you want to lose fat or gain muscle, there are certain foods and drinks that should be avoided after 9pm.

If you get into the habit of having these foods and drinks after 9pm you may be waiting longer to have the physique you want.

However, it isn't bad to snack at night before bed, choose foods that promote lean tissue building and fat loss.

As we go through the foods to avoid we will also provide you with alternatives that you can enjoy.

Here are the foods and drink with their healthy alternative:

Milk

Lactose is a sugar which you don’t want in your system late at night. Milk is a good source of protein and calcium, however, the lactose will keep you awake due to trouble digesting.

Alternative: Lactose-free protein shake, it has a higher protein content than milk.

Pasta

Pasta is one of the most highest in calories of carbohydrates. The calories from consuming pasta are more likely to settle around your stomach.

Alternative: Spaghetti squash provides you with the same taste and texture as pasta but with a fraction of the carbohydrates. Top the spaghetti squash off with your favourite sauce.

Chocolate

Chocolate is high in both sugar and fat, as well as caffeine. For those who are quite sensitive to chocolate you can lose a lot of sleep, this can then prevent your body from recovering from your workout.

Alternative: If you are looking for a quick chocolate alternative then try mixing a chocolate protein shake with one egg white and popping it in the microwave for 90 seconds. There you have a quick fix chocolate brownie.

Pizza

In a survey pizza has been ranked as one of the most craved foods by dieters. Due to the amount of calories in pizzas you get a double dose of both carbs and saturated fats as it sits in your stomach at night.

Alternative: Hard boiled eggs, these are great for the body with muscle building protein minus the calories that go along with consuming a pizza.

Chilli

When using a healthy chili recipe it can be good for you, however, too much chilli isn’t. At 9pm it can result in heartburn which will stir you from your slumber.

Alternative: Vegetable soup, a small bowl is a low calorie alternative that keeps fat from building up.

Lots of Meat

A bit of protein is good before bed as it helps to retain lean muscle and promotes a speedy recovery. However, overdoing it can lead your body to take time when digesting which can cause you to stay awake.

Alternative: Turkey meat, try 20-50 grams for best results. It also contains a sleep promoting amino acid called tryptophan.

Chinese Takeaway

The MSG found in a lot of chinese food acts in a similar way to caffeine and can make for a restless night. Whatever you order from the takeaway will always be higher in carbs and fats to be part of a healthy diet.

Alternative: If you do end up giving in to temptations then order the food of your choice without the sauce (avoiding MSG) and have it served with vegetables (steamed) instead of rice.

Celery

Celery is a diuretic, meaning it makes you pee a lot. Eating this before bed will cause you to have a restless night due to getting up and going to the bathroom.

Alternative: Broccoli and cauliflower are the perfect alternatives as they are low in carbs. They are an ideal late night snack and are crunchy too!

Fruit Juice

Fruit juices such as, orange juice, mango juice, passion fruit juice etc. are very acidic which can cause heartburn in those who are sensitive to it. That is something you should definitely avoid if you want a peaceful nights sleep,

Alternative: To get rid of your craving for sweetness, mixed berries with cottage cheese are great.