You know, folks, they’ve been yammering on for years about when to stop eating, sayin’ it’s no good to snack after seven. But if you’re like me—a fellow who enjoys his snack now and then while watching the late-night news—this whole “no eating past seven” business sounds downright foolish. Sure, I know the sugar ain’t great for a feller my age, but there’s somethin’ to be said for a little something before bed. Now, I don’t go pedalin’ up mountains like some of those young cyclists out there, but I get plenty of exercise just the same—farming, working in the shop, tending the garden, and I tell ya, that can wear a man out just as well.

Anyway, it got me thinking that, after a day of hard work, the right kind of snack can be as good as a lullaby. And wouldn’t you know it, there’s a bit of science behind it too! Turns out, having a bit of protein—like some plain yogurt with a handful of nuts or maybe a slice of apple with a piece of cheese—can help your old muscles recover while you sleep. Now, I didn’t expect to hear that from a scientist, but I’ll take it. They say the protein in dairy, called casein, works slow and steady through the night to help with muscle repair. And hey, when you’re aching from the day’s work, you’ll take all the help you can get.

I’ll tell ya, though, I don’t have any need for fancy snacks. That Greek yogurt or almond butter? Well, I’ll stick to what I know: cottage cheese with a slice of peach or a glass of whole milk. Simple stuff I can find in the fridge without a fuss.

They say that a snack like that can even help you sleep better. Go to bed on an empty stomach, and you might wake up in the middle of the night with a growl so loud it scares the missus. So, a little pre-bed nibble can ease that hunger, keep the blood sugar nice and steady, and, who knows, help a man wake up feeling a tad better come morning.

So here’s my bit of advice: if you’re sitting there, thinking about that cookie jar, maybe swap it for a handful of walnuts or an oatmeal bowl with some blueberries. Won’t hurt ya, and it might just help you drift off a little easier. Just keep it light and stick to the good stuff. Till next time, keep your stories going, and don’t work too hard! GW