Make Midnight Munchies Good For You

If we weren't meant to eat late at night, why is there a light inside the refrigerator? Okay, we don't really believe that, but sometimes you gotta break the good eating rules. What to munch when you're in the dark and on the prowl? Depends on why you're awake.

If You're Burning the Midnight Oil

Mainlining coffee to get your PowerPoint project done works if you're caffeine tolerant (Mike is). But if you're not (Mehmet avoids the stuff), it could leave you with a world-class case of jitters in the morning, when it's time to run your project by the boss. A much better choice (even for Mike types): a salad of dark greens, chopped veggies, and a few walnuts. The complex carbs in the veggies give you energy and the walnuts provide omega-3s, which help your brain recover during what sleep you do get.

If You're Just Tossing and Turning

Starchy carbs may help you nod off. Foods that quickly raise your blood sugar also lift blood levels of the amino acid tryptophan, which the brain converts to soothing serotonin. So try microwaving a small potato, warming up some leftover brown rice, or popping a 100% whole-wheat English muffin into the toaster. Then, wait for the ZZZs. Just remember to turn off the microwave/stove/toaster so you don't wake up to a fire alarm.

If You're on a Diet, or Just Plain Hungry

Give your rumbling tummy some satisfying protein: a little lean turkey or the protein-rich grain called quinoa (keen-wah) -- it's kind of like extra-fluffy rice -- or an egg-white omelet. Getting about one-third of your daily calories from lean protein may also help you burn a few extra calories while you sleep.