CRAVING A BETTER SLEEP?

If you're craving a better sleep - it may be time to eliminate snacking before bed.

As a kid growing up I remember my dad eating a bowl of Rice Krispies before he went to bed. Having a bowl of cereal is quick, easy and quite satisfying. On lazy days when we don't feel like making supper I have to confess we've been known to bring out the cereal boxes.

I'm not a snacker so cutting out snacks after supper isn't hard for me. Did you know that if you've already consumed your daily calorie intake you're not doing yourself any favors. In fact eating before bed can be disruptive to your sleep schedule. Thida Ith, a registered dietitian and corporate communications and promotions manager for Dietitians of Canada states that "it's a bit difficult to digest before you go to sleep." When your body is busy digesting - it's not resting.

Think back to when your mom wanted you to eat your breakfast, not trade your lunch at school and eat a good supper. Three square meals a day is still where it's at. Eating just till you are full helps you feel satisfied. When you feel satisfied you tend not to snack or overeat. A settled tummy just might be the ticket to a better sleep.