Addressing Midnight Snacking: Dubai Resident Introduces Healthy Option

Midnight Snack

Dubai resident Fabeeha Mohammed understands the struggle of maintaining a healthy diet, especially at night. Like many others, she finds herself craving snacks while winding down in front of the TV after her children are in bed. This habit often undermines her efforts to eat healthily throughout the day, a challenge faced by thousands of individuals. Recognizing the widespread phenomenon of nighttime snacking, a sleep-friendly night snack was nominated for awards at Gulfood this year.

The MeBle premium healthy trail mix for adults, nominated in two categories—best health and wellness product, as well as best snack—offers a solution to the midnight snacking dilemma. Comprising nuts, goji berries, walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds, this snack is promoted as a healthy option that won't disrupt sleep. Saksri Sresangnum, assistant CCO of the Thailand-based Chin Huay company, explains that extensive research conducted by their R&D department indicates that the ingredients in the snack can promote sleep. Moreover, the snack aims to preserve the tradition of bonding over a shared bag of snacks at night, particularly among seniors, without compromising on health.

Night snacking is a common problem, according to clinical dietitian Dr. Dana Hamwi, with various underlying causes. Factors such as hormonal imbalances, unhealthy eating habits, stress, deficiencies, and lack of sleep contribute to the prevalence of midnight snacking. Dr. Hamwi highlights night eating syndrome, a type of eating disorder characterized by increased food intake in the evening, particularly among overweight and obese individuals. This syndrome, if left unchecked, can lead to obesity and associated health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases. Additionally, midnight snacking can disrupt sleep patterns and cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Dr. Hamwi emphasizes the importance of adopting healthy eating habits and maintaining a balanced lifestyle to address midnight snacking and its consequences. Recommendations include avoiding sugary drinks, incorporating regular exercise, ensuring adequate vitamin and mineral intake, and managing stress levels. She also suggests starting the day with a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach to promote hormonal balance, as olive oil contains Vitamin E, antioxidants, and Omega 9.

In conclusion, Fabeeha Mohammed's experience highlights the challenge of midnight snacking, which is prevalent among individuals striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The introduction of the MeBle premium healthy trail mix offers a promising solution, addressing the need for nutritious snacks that support sleep. However, addressing the root causes of midnight snacking, such as unhealthy eating habits and stress, remains crucial for overall well-being. Through awareness and lifestyle modifications, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with nighttime snacking and prioritize their health.