Healthy snacks for when you're hungry after dinner

We’ve all been there. You just finished your dinner and you’re already thinking about what else you can eat.

When this happens, we might find ourselves reaching into the snack cupboard for a package of cookies or a bag of potato chips. Or perhaps you crave a bowl of ice cream or sugary cereal. Whatever we get from the kitchen, these post-dinner snacks are not always the healthiest options.

Reaching for these high-fat, ultra-processed snacks can leave us feeling overly full, lethargic and oftentimes remorseful over abandoning our healthy eating goals.

Sometimes the reason we want to eat snacks after dinner is because we haven’t eaten a substantial meal. To avoid post-dinner cravings, first look at your dinner portions and ensure that you are not under-eating and that you consuming an adequate serving of protein with your meal.

Another reason why you might end up snacking after your evening meal is because you’re bored. Instead of heading for the kitchen cupboard, try going for a walk. You could also try reaching out to a friend, watching your favorite TV program or even journaling to take your mind away from food.

But if you do find that you’re still thinking about food, even when you’re trying to distract yourself, try to opt for healthy snacks that provide you with protein, complex carbohydrates and other nutrients. Here are some great after-dinner options for when you’re still feeling hungry. They are nutritious and they will satisfy your hunger to prevent you from thinking about food all night.

• Carrots and red pepper with hummus
• Apple and banana with peanut butter
• Mixed chopped nuts
• Fruit salad
• Yogurt with berries
• Whole grain crackers with cottage cheese
• Lightly salted rice cakes
• Dried vegetable sticks
• Dark chocolate
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Sliced avocado
• Homemade banana load
• Homemade protein balls
• Homemade oatmeal cookies

Next time you get the post-dinner cravings, try one of the snacks above. They are full of protein and healthy carbohydrates, so they should keep you feeling full for longer, allowing you to focus on enjoying the rest of your evening.