Whatever you have planned for the evening, whether it’s catching up on Netflix, or enjoying the company of a friend- snacks are often involved. When my clients are trying to lose weight, or make some healthier food choices, they often think they have to give up evening snacks all together- but that’s not the case!
I have 13 healthy evening snack and drink ideas for you today- and these are not going to ruin your weight loss effort or make you feel like you are missing out.
You can have them alone, or put together a fun healthy evening with friends!
These healthy late-night snack ideas have you covered so you can wake up the next day feeling great.
Healthy evening snacks
Popcorn
Popcorn is one of the easiest snacks to make at home. Air popping your popcorn is quick and fun -- if you don't have a popcorn popper, you can use a pan with a lid on the stovetop. With endless variations of herbs and spices you can add, popcorn is a snack you won't tire of quickly. Here’s a fun recipe to try: Healthy Cheesy Popcorn Recipe
Seeds + Nuts
Seeds are one healthy snack you don't even need to prep beyond pouring into a serving bowl. Choose sunflower, Sacha Inchi, or even make your own mix. They provide plenty of satisfying crunch while giving you access to good nutrition. If you have company, you can put out a little selection of seeds and nuts into bowls for people to mix their own!
Seaweed
In Asian countries, seaweed is a popular snack. It's salty, crunchy, and satisfying. Look for them in convenient snack-sized packaging, or buy sheets of nori and cut them up into bite-size pieces. If you crave salty chips, this could be a great swap for you!
Mini Avocado Toasts
Avocado toast is healthy and delicious but eats more like a meal. If you have guests joining you or want to create a nice snack platter for yourself, cut your bread into small squares before toasting. You can drizzle sriracha on top for a spicier version or sprinkle everything bagel seasoning to keep it savory.
Hummus and Veggies
Simply slice your favorite fresh veggies up to dunk into hummus. You can serve two types of hummus, add another dip if you'd like, such as tzatziki sauce, or stick to one. There's no wrong way to enjoy hummus and veggies, which make for a filling snack with satisfying texture and taste.
Air Fryer Chips
Instead of grabbing a bag of chips with artificial ingredients, let your air fryer help you turn any veggie into a crunchy and healthy snack. From regular potatoes to sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts to kale, all you need is a little olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to make this delicious conversion. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still bake them in the oven- here’s my Kale Chips recipe to help get you started.
Berry Parfaits
This one will require a little pre-planning, but it’s a fun alternative to ice cream or build your own sundaes. With plain Greek yogurt, or coconut yogurt, add fresh berries, and a little granola for crunch, you can have this sweet treat. The best part is that it will satisfy your cravings while keeping you balanced in nutrition with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
There are many ways to make healthy late-night snacks that you'll want to eat. Get creative and have some fun with it.
Now that you have some ideas for snacks, let’s move onto the drinks! I’m all for having fun drinks- whether on my own or with friends.
Here are some healthy mocktail ideas to have as part of your evening wind down routine or serve your company along with your healthy snacks.
Something warm and cozy is great for the cooler months, something cold and refreshing for the hot summer- I have you covered for both. Before we get to the ideas, I want to let you know that these healthy choices are going to actually help you sleep better, instead of the groggy sleep you might have after having alcohol.
Skipping over alcohol and can benefit your sleep, your waistline and your bank account. Plus it’s fun to have these on random evenings when you just want something a bit different, or to serve friends that are visiting.
These nightcap options -- warm and cold -- don't include any alcohol and may be just what you need.
Healthy Evening Mocktails
Lavender Collins Mocktail
It's easy to turn a lavender Collins cocktail into one without alcohol. As lavender is beneficial for sleep, it may help you relax even more with its soothing flavors and aroma. You'll want to add a sugar-free lavender simple syrup to a glass with club soda. Squeeze in some lemon and add a lavender sprig to garnish.
Tart Cherry Spritzer
Tart cherry juice has anthocyanins and tryptophan, both of which will naturally promote your best rest. Simply fill a glass with half tart cherry juice and half tonic water or seltzer.
Chamomile-Lemon Tea Sparkler
Chamomile tea is renowned for helping with better sleep, though it's not as fun as other beverages. Give it a fizzy makeover by pairing it with sparkling water and lemon. Make your tea and let it steep for several minutes. Then stir in maple syrup and lemon juice, followed by cold sparkling water. Garnish with lemon for a refreshing nightcap.
Milky Dream Mocktail
Warm-up a mug of your chosen milk, then add nutmeg or cinnamon to it. You can also add pumpkin pie spice seasoning if you'd prefer to have those fall feelings wash over you.
Hot Toddy Mocktail
Switch from a traditional hot toddy to a mocktail version, and you'll be on your way to a great night of sleep—boil water with a slice of fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick. Then mix in fresh-squeezed lemon juice and honey (or pure maple syrup) to round it out.
Cranberry-Orange Infusion
Tart and tangy cranberries are a nice burst of flavor that will soothe you to sleep. You'll muddle these with orange to create a tasty nightcap with no alcohol. Using coconut water helps you bring in more potassium and magnesium, two minerals that help relax muscles for a blissful night of sleep. Simply add cranberries and orange juice to a jar and muddle, then add a cup of coconut water, stirring until combined. Throw in a rosemary sprig for garnish and get ready for bed.
Now that you have lots of ideas, I can’t wait to hear which ones you try out. Let me know in the comments below!
If you like recipes and ideas to get creative, be sure to join my Nutrition and Wellness Library. It’s FREE- and I have tons more to share in there! Click below to sign up.
