Chocolate Shakeology Recipe: Chocolate Banana Nutter

By

Yesterday I mentioned that exercise, nutrition, and sleep are the three legs of the fitness stool as they will determine the overall state of your health. But if you struggle with actually sleeping in spite of going to bed at a reasonable hour, there are some foods that may actually improve your sleep.

L-Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, has been thought to have sleep-promoting properties. It’s found in milk, nuts and seeds, bananas, honey, eggs, and poultry.

Serotonin is a brain chemical that can help to create a feeling of well-being and relaxation. And research shows that a light, 30 gram carbohydrate snack just before bed will actually help you sleep better. Combine these two principles and have serotonin-boosting snack like a few Fig Newtons, half of a small whole wheat bagel with honey drizzled over it, or a few cups of air-popped popcorn some time after you’ve eaten foods high in tryptophan.

Fresh and dried cherries are one of the only natural food sources of melatonin, the chemical that controls the body’s internal clock to regulate sleep.

And bananas have potassium and magnesium, which are natural muscle relaxants. Bananas also contain the aforementioned L-tryptophan.

Eat right and sleep tight!

As I reached my mid-40s, a lot of stress, very little exercise, and running too many people to the doctor resulted in lots of fast food. I was feeling tired and run down. Jenny Glenn contacted me about a challenge group and I joined. I took baby steps. Jenny was always there to encourage me and guide me and pick me up when I felt I had failed. I am doing much better. Jenny has continued to always be there for me and encourage me.

DIANE S.Amazonia, MO