Bedtime brews: Surprising drinks to boost metabolism overnight
There isn't a single magic potion that will make you wake up slimmer. However, there are clever tricks that can help kick-start your metabolism, and one of them is what you drink before bed. It's well-known that water is the best choice, but there are other beverages you might consider.
There are no miracles, only choices. Although no tea in the world will turn you into Anatolij (that chap from TikTok with an Adonis-like physique and extraordinary weightlifting skills) in three nights, a well-chosen bedtime drink can do more than you might think. It will not only calm and soothe racing thoughts but also help your metabolism get to work—and keep you from reaching for a snack at 4:17 AM.
Of course, exercise, sleep, and diet are fundamental. However, there are drinks that act like backstage support. They're clever, unobtrusive, and they get the job done. And no, I'm not talking about a lychee smoothie with gold and unicorn tears gathered under a Capricorn full moon, costing fortunes. Plain water will suffice. But if you fancy being a bit more adventurous, read on, because I have some interesting suggestions.
What to drink before bed to avoid raiding the fridge? It's not just water that's suitable
There's no need to explain why water is essential. It improves metabolism, quickly makes us feel full, and has zero calories. Can it get any better? And you don't have to stick to plain tap water, as there are plenty of varieties available in shops: sparkling, still, lightly sparkling, mineral water—the list goes on. Drinking water (in appropriate amounts, of course, as too little is bad and too much is also detrimental) makes the body work more efficiently, speeds up metabolism, aids digestion, and reduces hunger. And most importantly, when you drink water, your intestines are not a battlefield.
Suppose you're not a fan of plain water and you don't want to add watermelon or lemon juice to it. What then? Here are a few suggestions:
- ginger tea – it contains gingerol, which not only speeds up digestion but also keeps sugar levels in check. The result? No sudden hunger attacks. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, allowing the body to rest instead of fighting itself,
- chamomile – ever wonder why grandmas love this herb? It reduces stress, soothes the digestive system, and prepares the body for sleep. And when you sleep better, you don't snack at night, a win-win situation,
- fenugreek – packed with fibre, it maintains a feeling of fullness and curbs the appetite. Plus, it supports intestinal and pancreatic functions, resulting in no bloating and a nicely flat stomach,
- a drink with psyllium husk – an underrated kitchen hero. Thanks to fibre and omega-3, it tidies up the intestines, calms hunger, improves digestion, and in the morning, it helps better than the strongest coffee (and I'm not talking about an energy boost).
Here's a small suggestion: at your next Netflix or YouTube session, instead of a bag of crisps, chocolate, or pizza, brew yourself some chamomile or a flaxseed drink. Water is also a great idea. After a few such days, you'll immediately feel a noticeable difference. You'll sleep better, have more energy, and the scales will show a smaller number.
