FOODS THAT CAN SERIOUSLY AFFECT YOUR SLEEP

Groggy today, but not sure why? It may have something to do with what you ate for dinner last night. While it's a well known fact that you shouldn't be slamming coffee and sweets right before hitting the hay, it turns out some healthier foods may also be preventing you from getting those sleep. They're still great for your body — you just might want to enjoy them earlier in the day.

According to research aggregated by Eat Clean, certain veggies can get in the way of a good night's rest. Cruciferous vegetables — like broccoli and cauliflower — are loaded with vitamins that are great for you, but they also carry a large amount of insoluble fiber, which takes forever to digest. 

In the Eat Clean article, holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman explains that if you eat these vegetables before bed, "your body will still be working on digesting it while you drift off," which will in turn keep you from getting a comfortable night of sleep. Red meat — like steak or ground beef — is high in protein and has a similar effect on the body. 

Tomato sauce is another veggie-based favorite to avoid before bedtime. Because of its high acidity, it's often the cause of morning-after heartburn and indigestion. You can still eat a bowl of spaghetti for dinner, but dietitian Alissa Rumsey says it's best to eat it at least 3 hours before going to bed. Spicy foods, which are also notorious for causing heartburn, make for an extra restless night of sleep because they raise your core body temperature. So if you're wondering why you had  a nightmare after munching on some crispy skillet lasagna, now you have an answer.

Finally, cured meats, cheeses, and dark chocolates are great for a daytime picnic, but not for dinner. If you planned on ending your day with a fabulous charcuterie platter, reconsider moving it to brunch: Cured meats and cheeses contains tyramine, an amino acid that makes you more alert. And dark chocolate? The sneaky devil — which can carry up to a quarter of the caffeine you'd find in an average cup of joe — also contains an amino acid that makes you alert, similar to the one found in cured meats and cheeses. Basically, dark chocolate is double the energy, making it a much better snack for the afternoon than the middle of the night. 

[woman's day]