Do you feel guilty about late night snacking? Switching to a protein-filled snack like cottage cheese may help

Consuming 30 grams of protein about 30 minutes before bed has a positive effect on muscle quality.

Getty Images
NEW YORK: Do you feel guilty about late night snacking that can lead to weight gain? Switching to a protein-filled snack like cottage cheese may help, a study has found.

Researchers at the Florida State University (FSU) in the US found that consuming 30 grams of protein about 30 minutes before bed appears to have a positive effect on muscle quality, metabolism and overall health.

In the study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, participants -- active young women in their early 20s -- ate samples of cottage cheese 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.


The Ultimate Healthy-Eating Guide: Snacks That Will Help You Stay In Shape
1/8
Diet food contains fewer calories, and serves as a healthier alternative to conventional snacks such as potato chips, burgers and other fast food.

Experts at salebhai.com have listed some of the healthy diet snacks and food that could be consumed on different days of the week.
Diet food contains fewer calories, and serves as a healthier alternative to conventional snacks such as potato chips, burgers and other fast food. Experts at salebhai.com have listed some of the hea..
Read More
Diet beaten rice (chivda) is a mixed snack popular across India and often served with hot beverages. It is made of ingredients such as flattened rice, dried peas, raisins, and so on.

Available in different combinations,it is a healthy treat as most of the ingredients are either dried or baked, and contain little to no oil or fat.
Diet beaten rice (chivda) is a mixed snack popular across India and often served with hot beverages. It is made of ingredients such as flattened rice, dried peas, raisins, and so on. Available in di..
Read More
While fried potato chips top the list of unhealthy foods in the world, its diet version is the opposite, without compromising on taste. Diet potato chips are mostly baked and use little to no oil, and make for a yummy snack between meals.
While fried potato chips top the list of unhealthy foods in the world, its diet version is the opposite, without compromising on taste. Diet potato chips are mostly baked and use little to no oil, an..
Read More
Beaten rice (chivda) is the main ingredient in poha. When lightly roasted, it can be mixed with various spices and consumed as a healthy snack all through the day.
Beaten rice (chivda) is the main ingredient in poha. When lightly roasted, it can be mixed with various spices and consumed as a healthy snack all through the day.
A container of masala chickpeas packs several vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and protein, keeping one fuller for longer.
A container of masala chickpeas packs several vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and protein, keeping one fuller for longer.
Quinoa has become popular over the years both as a superfood and a versatile ingredient. Native to South America, it is prepared by being boiled in water. The nutrient-rich grain is mostly consumed as part of a salad, but there are treats such as quinoa puffs that are equally healthy and delicious.
Quinoa has become popular over the years both as a superfood and a versatile ingredient. Native to South America, it is prepared by being boiled in water. The nutrient-rich grain is mostly consumed a..
Read More
A favourite among gym goers and fitness aficionados, muesli or granola bars are the perfect choice that also boost the metabolism. A great alternative to candy bars, they can satiate anyone's sweet tooth or sudden cravings without any adverse effects to health.

Muesli bars are made up of refined flour, hazelnut, cashew, almond, dark chocolate, honey, oats, butter, and sugar.
A favourite among gym goers and fitness aficionados, muesli or granola bars are the perfect choice that also boost the metabolism. A great alternative to candy bars, they can satiate anyone's sweet t..
Read More
Although a new entrant in the list of healthiest foods, kale chips have quickly become one of the most tried new ingredients in the global food market.

A close cousin of the cabbage family, kale has a high fibre content and low calories, making it a great option.
Although a new entrant in the list of healthiest foods, kale chips have quickly become one of the most tried new ingredients in the global food market. A close cousin of the cabbage family, kale has..
Read More


Researchers specifically wanted to see if this food may have an impact on metabolic rate and muscle recovery.

This is one of the first nutrition studies where participants consumed a whole food as opposed to a protein shake or some form of supplement, researchers said.
ADVERTISEMENT

"Until now, we presumed that whole foods would act similarly to the data on supplemental protein, but we had no real evidence," said Michael Ormsbee, an associate professor at FSU.

"This is important because it adds to the body of literature that indicates that whole foods work just as well as protein supplementation, and it gives people options for pre-sleep nutrition that go beyond powders and shaker bottles," Ormsbee said.

The results serve as a foundation for future research on precise metabolic responses to whole food consumption, researchers said.

"While protein supplements absolutely have their place, it is important to begin pooling data for foods and understanding the role they can play in these situations," said former FSU graduate student Samantha Leyh.
ADVERTISEMENT

"Like the additive and synergistic effects of vitamins and minerals when consumed in whole food form such as fruits or veggies, perhaps whole food sources may follow suit," said Leyh.

"While we can't generalise for all whole foods as we have only utilized cottage cheese, this research will hopefully open the door to future studies doing just that," she said.
ADVERTISEMENT

Ormsbee said that his research team will start examining more pre-sleep food options and longer-term studies to learn more about the optimal food choices that can aid individuals in recovery from exercise, repair and regeneration of muscle and overall health.

"There is much more to uncover in this area of study," he said.



Download
The Economic Times Business News App
for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
READ MORE
ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE:

LOGIN & CLAIM

50 TIMESPOINTS

More from our Partners

Loading next story
Business News › Magazines › Panache › Do you feel guilty about late night snacking? Switching to a protein-filled snack like cottage cheese may help
Text Size:AAA
Success
This article has been saved

*

+