There’s some “rule” about not eating after 7p.
I call bullshit on that rule…
I don’t buy into that. You’re body uses sleep time to recover. What helps the body recover? Nourishment! Why would you go to bed hungry?
Plus, then you wake up hangry. I don’t need any added grump-factors early in the morning! Thus, I always have a midnight snack.
This just looks like an innocent chocolate Greek yogurt bowl… a little cereal, cocoa powder sauce, cacao nibs… cayenne… but that’s not strange for me.
Then this happened:
Attack of the killer carrot!
You guys know I love carrots. A lot. What could be better than carrot cake? A Chocolate Carrot Cake Protein Bowl! So, I grated a carrot and tossed it into the mix. Then mixed thoroughly.
All swirled together, each bite had creamy chocolate, a ribbon of rich cocoa sauce, sweet carrot, light crunches from the crispy cereal, and a satisfying bite from the cacao nibs. Sensory overload, in a strange but good way.
Yes, I’ve used the same spoon all week. Don’t judge.
Obviously I hated it.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Chocolate Carrot Cake Bowl
- 3/4 C Greek yogurt
- 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp cayenne (optional)
- 1 carrot, grated
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
Top as desired. My toppings included: brown rice crispy cereal, cacao nibs, and a cocoa powder sauce (1T cocoa powder, 1T almond milk, 3-4 drops liquid Stevia).
Devour. Sleep like a baby.
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***
This week has seemed longer than most... I'm really looking forward to the weekend and some Oscar-watching!
Do you believe in a late night snack?
Will you watch the Oscars? Is anyone making some Oscar-themed snacks? I'm putting my strange but good thinking cap on...
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Lisa
February 22, 2013 at 12:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ugh, I hate that dumb don’t eat after 7 “rule”. Um no thank you.
I eat my last meal around 8:30-9 and no bad things have happened so far;)
I always, always need a late night snack. Otherwise I just end up having to snack on something durnig the night and I’m not a huge fan of that.
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 11:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m the same way! Yhere’s nothing worse than waking up starving at 3am.
Sue
February 22, 2013 at 1:46 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I always need a late night snack, too! I often stay up until midnight, even longer on weekends, and I hate going to bed with a growling tummy.
Sadly, I live in the wrong time zone, so I can’t watch the Oscars.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
February 22, 2013 at 3:11 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Definite bullshit if you ask me! And seriously…who can sleep with a grumbly tummy?!
No TV so no Oscars for me, but eh, it’s not really my thing anyway!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 11:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s funny… I don’t like movies abut I got excited about the Oscars… or Adele’s performacne at the Oscars.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
February 22, 2013 at 5:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am a believer in the midnight snack . . . especially if I’m hangry.
So, do you shred the carrots like that? Or buy them shredded? I don’t think I’d have the patience to shred carrots all the time.
Happy Friday! I, too, am looking forward to the Academy Awards. Yay!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 11:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I shred them with a grater. Suprisingly, it hardly takes any time. Same for zucchini.
Kayla M.
February 22, 2013 at 6:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I totally call bullshit on that rule too! There is nothing worse than waking up hangry! Carrots and chocolate is an interesting combination but i’m definitely going to have to try this sometime soon!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 11:54 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s really good together – carrots are so sweet anyway, chocolate only compliments it.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
February 22, 2013 at 8:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I totally read somewhere (and everywhere) that now nutritionists are encouraging the consumption of a high protein snack before bed for muscle/fitness recovery…since your body actually has time to repair itself in the middle of the night and you aren’t adding stressors to it.
So I guess my nightly ritual of a Chobani–or other low-lactose Greek–yogurt bowl was WAY ahead of the times?
As an aside, we seriously have the same brain. I almost themed my post today “Strange But Good: After Midnight” to regale the world with all the crazy concoctions I make when I don’t get enough to eat before bed and DO wake up hungry (or hangry).
And I just added ‘Carrot Oats…do something with that’ to my to-do list….
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 11:57 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Exactly! You are a revolutionary!
That would have been hilarious! I hope you do still do an aftermidnight post… I love the creations that come to mind in the wee hours.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
February 22, 2013 at 8:06 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I always need a nighttime snack…otherwise I know I’ll wake up around 4 hours later starving, and I hate dragging myself out of bed for food.
Danielle
February 22, 2013 at 8:07 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love this recipe! I cannot go to bed hungry either! No eating after 7 just doesn’t work for me! I think people came up with the rule to stop mindless snacking but if you’re hungry I say why not eat?!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 11:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think Oprah is to blame. I seem to remember her having that rule on one of her diets years ago.
Lee
February 22, 2013 at 8:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I just ordered some chocolate protein powder. Can’t wait to try this! And yeah, I don’t even usually get home until after 7!
Kierston
February 22, 2013 at 8:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ummm ya…I typically have dinner at 730-8 lol
Bowl looks yum! I like the ginger addition
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I put ginger in everything – it’s good for muscle recovery!
Linz @ Itz Linz
February 22, 2013 at 8:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i’m totally a late night snacker – if i’m hungry, i eat! and this looks delicious and easy!!!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)
February 22, 2013 at 8:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yeah, I call the bullshit flag on not eating at night. I have a protein/carb/fat snack every night at 8 (I go to sleep around 9:30-10:00). I think the biggest problem people get in to is that they don’t allow for this throughout the day and then their late night snack is trash food that puts them over the amount of calories they need. It’s all about mindful eating and eating to fuel you, not overeating. I did your zucchini protein snack a while back and loved it! I’m doing a vanilla version of this when I get back from the gym today! Sounds perfect!
I hope you have a great weekend Laura!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I wish I went to sleep at 10… *sigh*
Mindful eating is defintiely the key! I am glad you liked the zucchini. I’ve done this carrot concotion as vanilla and really like it too. What did you think?
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
February 22, 2013 at 8:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I need to find more protein-filled sweet snacks for after dinner. Since I’ve started craving sweets more often, it’s been hard not to totally carb-out. This sounds just right.
Kat
February 22, 2013 at 9:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t eat midnight snacks. I drink a TON of water before bed though – seriously – I will slam a gallon.. My theory: I flush out toxins at night?? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
So tired of Friday already – weekend please!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I do the same with water… which means I get up to pee 1-2x every night. I’m just glad I wake up…
Allie
February 22, 2013 at 9:34 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So, I was laying in bed last night, reading, getting ready to close my eyes and drift off…and then HUNGER STRUCK. So I got out of bed, shoveled in my leftovers from dinner. Went back to bed. Fell asleep. Whoever deprives themselves of food after 7pm food is missing out on mid-bed snackage. Heaven. And I woke up with SO MUCH energy and killed my AM workout, so I figure my body knew what it was telling me last night. Go figure.
And strange-but-good Fridays are my favorite days–and not just ’cause it’s the end of the work week ;D
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awwww… they are my favs too.
Thank you!!!
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts
February 22, 2013 at 9:43 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Laura,
I eat terribly late at night when my spouse is deployed, but it’s never anything good for me. The bad stuff shouts louder than the good stuff after the sun goes down, and I am weak.
I’ve got nothing for you in the Strange But Good realm. Unless you count re-growing your own celery, which is a strange thing to do but I assume will taste good.
However, tonight I’m making a version of Heather’s hummus and blueberry concoction from last week (though the spouse wants to try it on a focaccia since he’s all into it after last week’s arugula pesto focaccia success). So perhaps soon I will have another strange but good combo for you.
Thanks!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That is the truth – my sweet tooth strokes at night! Which is why this creation was born .:)
You can regrow celery?! Indoors?
Heather (Where's the Beach)
February 22, 2013 at 10:04 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Looks good to me! I don’t always have a snack. I try to only have something if I start feeling a tad hungry. But sometimes if I do eat an after-dinner snack, I feel hungrier in the morning. Weird? Not always mind you…
RavieNomNoms
February 22, 2013 at 10:34 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Carrots are my absolute favorite! Did I ever tell you about the one time when my parents took me to the doctor when I was little because I was actually turning orange?! My fingers, the whites of my eyes, even my skin was turning orange when I was about 3 or 4 years old. The doctor said, “she got too much Beta-carotene in her body, feed her some cheerios”. Haha!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My baby sister did the same thing!!! So funny.
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
February 22, 2013 at 10:39 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I absolutely cannot go to sleep if I’m even a little hungry, so f#$k that rule. I love that you used shredded carrots in this, makes total sense to me!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I heard it’s really bad when your preggo too – I’d be eating 24×7!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
February 22, 2013 at 10:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hmmm. I don’t do the late night snack thing because I’m usually still full from dinner. Seeing as I usually go to bed by 10pm, that’s not super shocking though! I can’t wait for the weekend and for the Oscars tooooo yaaayyy!!
Ed
February 22, 2013 at 11:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Strange but good is a good description of that…I think I could dig it!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
For sure! It’s not as strange as it sounds.
Alex @ therunwithin
February 22, 2013 at 11:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am a carrot lover as well, so this looks mighty tasty
Courtney @ Star Systemz
February 22, 2013 at 11:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Midnight snacks and me are no bueno, I always wake up with a stomach ache, although I am not a stop eating after 7 kind of gal, I feel your body will tell you when its hungry so eat then! Interesting recipe, sounds great not sure if I will add carrots though! Although I have had a chocolate covered carrot and it was delicious! Have a great weekend. Love + Shine Courtstar
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love the idea fo a chocolate-covered carrot! Maybe I’ll do something with that for Easter…
Lift, Sleep, Eat
February 22, 2013 at 12:14 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mm this looks so good! I love regular carrot cake batter so i can imagine with chocolate its also delicious! I bet it would also be good with the addition of maple syrup.
Or you could add peanut flour too…mm ideas!!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have done the regular carrot cake batter with peanut flour but will defintiely try the chocolate + pb combo! Great idea.
Kristina
February 22, 2013 at 12:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
you rock. I just love this concoction.
it is REALLY bizarre, but the last year or so I have been super paranoid about my sleep (making sure everything is optimal and all that…). I had a few weeks of insomnia and now… well like I said, paranoid.
I have the no food after 7-8 ish just for this reason – I think it keeps me awake. no idea if this is true, but… I go with it. I make sure I eat enough dinner so I am not hungry (and I drink water / tea all evening, so it’s usually okay). if I get hungry I’ll eat something small and… “bland” like a spoon of almond butter or a handful of raw nuts?
anyway… so yeah, I don’t follow this because of any diet rule, but more for my strange sleep paranoia. I know, I’m a weirdo with no actual facts!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never noticed food keeping meawak unless it’s something extreme – like very sugar-y or ass-on-fire spicey. TMI?
GiGi Eats Celebrities
February 22, 2013 at 1:30 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LMFAO! You should be linking to my video when you say HANGRY!!! Serious business – No need to bite anyone’s head off – preparing in advance to kick hangry’s huge ass is KEY!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Doooode… if I hadn’t already written this post I totally would have. Next hangry-post it’s happening!
Cassie @ RedLetterDaye
February 22, 2013 at 2:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I never followed that, don’t eat after….rule. I can’t go to sleep without eating something pretty much right beforehand.
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning
February 22, 2013 at 2:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I eat when I’m hungry. Sometimes that’s at 9:00 pm (when I go to bed at 9:30). I just find that if I go to bed feeling FULL I sleep like CRAP.
I think adding carrot to anything is a good idea!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 12:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I agree with you on the being TOO full. Full sleep is like drunk sleep. Low quality.
Haley @ fullnfit
February 22, 2013 at 2:42 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I eat a “late night snack” every night around 8pm! I crave it… so I say whatever to that rule!
I will be trying this recipe this week.. and most definitely will be including the cayenne! Thanks, girly!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you!!! I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
P.S. Your smoothie ROCKED!
Karey @ Nutty About Health
February 22, 2013 at 6:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love carrot cake, so I had to check your bowl out. Sounds pretty good! I’m assuming you’re a massive carrot cake lover then, or do you not love the actual cake?
I’m w/you on not going to bed hungry… I never can. Screw the “experts” that say you shouldn’t eat after 8pm.
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love the actual cake too! I love all things carrot except carrot souffle.
Jody - Fit at 55
February 22, 2013 at 7:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
HOLY CRAZINESS!!!!! Nourish away!!!!
Hotly Spiced
February 22, 2013 at 10:24 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think I would sleep really well if I had a snack like that just before going to bed. That looks amazing. I think the carrot would give great sweetness and the cinnamon touch would be just lovely xx
CCU
February 23, 2013 at 2:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I reckon eating some delicious like this at night would be utterly awesome in getting someone to sleep
Cheers
CCU
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s like a food lullabye.
Jed Gray (sportsglutton)
February 23, 2013 at 8:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Not eating after 7pm is BS…though I tend to buy into not eating less than 1 hour before going to sleep.
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I can dig the hour rule… I’m more like 30 mins. I’m gluttonous in my frequency of meals.
Tamara
February 23, 2013 at 11:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Who can sleep when their tummy is growling?
When I was pregnant, I would often wake in the middle of the night for a snack! Hungry? Feed yourself!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I hear that from everyone who has a baby – I can’t even imagine the humger level while feeding 2!
Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness
February 23, 2013 at 12:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This sounds awesome! I normally don’t get home tell around 10 and there is no way im going to bed hungry after the gym when my last meal was 6 hours before that. I always fall asleep better after a little late night snack too!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:24 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m in the same boat! If I workout at night I am ravenous.
Khushboo
February 24, 2013 at 4:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve heard a lot of crazy nutrition myths but the “stop eating by 7pm” myth drives me most loco! If that were true, I should be the size of the house right now! I rarely go without my bedtime snack- I love it and it definitely helps me sleep better
!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:30 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha – good point. You are no house, my friend!
Allie
February 24, 2013 at 7:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I can’t imagine going to bed hungry.. I don’t think I’d be able to sleep, you know?!
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s excatly how I feel!
Christina @ the athletarian
February 25, 2013 at 9:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That looks sooo yummy!! There are no rules when it comes to eating, especially if it has to do with time. I eat when I’m hungry! Sometimes I’ll even wake up in the middle of the night and if my stomach is grumbling, I go to my kitchen and have a snack
I’ve got to some up with some strange combos to get in on this fun.
Laura
February 25, 2013 at 1:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! I totally agree about the no rules. Listen to your body!
Would love to have you link up – your creations always look delish.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
February 25, 2013 at 8:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have never followed that “don’t eat after 7″ rule! I love my nighttime snacks!
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