Three Bears Porridge: The Perfect Late-Night Snack To Help You Sleep Better
The Porridge That's 'Just Right'
The way we eat and move are often emphasized, while rest fall's by the wayside. However, nothing is better for our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being than a good night's sleep. If you haven't already, check out my previous blog post for 9 Surefire Ways To Get A Better Night's Sleep. Number 9 was eating the right food and drink, and I've got the perfect 'sleeptyime' porridge recipe that's 'just right' for you!
It's always good to leave a 3-4 hour window between dinner and bedtime, but if you're tossing and turning in the middle of the night, a healthy snack with the right ingredients can help to calm and relax.
Tea Time
I like to warm up a cup of ginger tea to aid in digestion and soothe my stomach or chamomile tea, which has been said to promote a calm mind and a good night's sleep. Sip on a cup while you whip up a snack for added relaxation!
The Winning Combo
Cherries are a great night time snack because they help the body produce melatonin, which induces sleep. Almonds are another good option because they contain tryptophan, which we all know is supposed to make us sleepy. But there's more to the story than that. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps to release serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter, and is most effective when combined with carbohydrates. Almonds contain magnesium, as well, which helps to calm the body by regulating muscle and nerve function. Bananas are also a great source of magnesium, and of course, potassium--another muscle relaxant. A small helping of porridge is the perfect base for all of the fix-ins listed above. While oatmeal is a great complex carbohydrate option, "creamy brown rice" is even better! Not only is rice notoriously easy to digest, it's also gluten-free!
I like to combine all of these essential sleep-inducing foods into a small bowl of porridge with a splash of almond milk and a dash of cinnamon, which also has relaxing properties!
Three Bears Porridge Recipe
vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free
Sometimes the best thing you can do when you're tossing and turning and can't fall asleep is to get up, go do something, and come back later. Chances are, your stomach is growling, and I've got the perfect late-night snack for you! This creamy, brown rice porridge is a fantastic gluten-free alternative to oatmeal, and contains all of the right ingredients to send you off to bed and counting sheep only for a moment before you slip deep into sleep!
ingredients: serves 2
3 cups water
1 cup Bob's Red Mill Creamy Rice
dash of salt
1 ripe, speckled banana sliced
1/3 cup cherries, fresh/frozen thawed
1/8 cup almonds
splash of almond milk
dash of cinnamon
method:
Bring water to a boil in a non-stick pan. Add creamy rice and salt, reduce heat to medium-low, and stir.
Continue stirring until water is absorbed and mixture begins to thicken. Add chopped banana.
Reduce heat to low and stir for a bit longer. Serve in two bowls with cherries, almonds, almond milk and cinnamon. Relax and enjoy!
options:
cup o' chamomile or ginger tea
berries
honey
A Cut Above The Rest
Like the beautiful walnut cutting and serving board in all of my pictures? Check out my husband, Dusty's website and online store to purchase one like it and view all of his other amazing, hand-crafted goods! They have been a lifesaver for me in the kitchen, and make for some great pictures, too!
Head over to DustonStanczyk.com for more info and to get yours now!
Sleep Tight
After you enjoy a bowl of 'Three Bears Porridge' and head back to bed, quiet your mind by focusing on each inhale and exhale and making them as relaxed and even as you can.
Feel free to try a bowl of creamy rice with berries, chia, matcha green tea powder, and honey on top as an energizing combination in the morning! Add a side of fresh-squeezed orange juice and you'll be set!
If you're interested in connecting or utilizing my coaching services, shoot me a message on my contact page. Also don't forget to subscribe to my monthly In The Raw newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things health and wellness--the May issue is in the works!
