A study in the journal Obesity offers an explanation for our dueling selves. A group of researchers from Oregon Health & Science University, Harvard university and Brigham and Women’s Hospital concluded that, thanks to our circadian system – aka our internal body clock – we’re hungriest a few hours before bed time and the least hungry when we wake up. To break the late night snack cycle, try a 60- to 80-calorie snack, like a piece of fruit after dinner, but only if its within an hour after eating. The best options are fruits that take a long time to eat and therefore slow down your munching, such as grapefruit, sliced apples, or mango. Especially if you’re bored or anxious, the food will make you feel better, or at least take your mind off of it.

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