What to eat to help you sleep

What to eat to help you sleep

Regular, sufficient sleep pays a huge role in health. Poor sleep is linked to weight gain and obesity, and everyone knows how hard it is to resist bad foods when you’re tired.

You know what they say about abs: they’re made in the kitchen. This isn’t completely true - they’re also made in the bedroom. No, not like that – we’re talking about sleep! Regular, sufficient sleep pays a huge role in everyone’s health. Poor sleep is linked to weight gain and obesity, and everyone knows how hard it is to resist bad foods when you’re tired.

Luckily, this is another thing that healthy wholefoods can help us with. Many naturally-occurring chemicals, nutrients and hormones can promote good sleep and help regulate the sleep cycle – like melatonin, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins.

Here are five great snacks to add to your diet to promote a great night’s sleep.

Almonds

Almonds contain high amounts of melatonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. They’re also a great wholefood and healthy evening snack, high in good fats and low in sugar. Have a handful in the evening.

Warm milk

Warm milk contains four sleep-promoting compounds: tryptophan, calcium, vitamin D and melatonin. These compounds help us sleep, but so does the calming ritual of having a warm drink as we relax before bed.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish are great sources of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which help regulate serotonin, which impacts our sleep. Our Oven Baked Salmon dish is great choice for promoting a good night’s sleep.

Walnuts

Walnuts are a great choice for an evening snack. They contain melatonin, serotonin and magnesium, which all help contribute to healthy sleep. Unfortunately, you should leave the rest of the afghan alone.

Chamomile tea

The herb chamomile has been known as a traditional remedy for insomnia for centuries. Researchers think that it’s because it contain a compound that activates GABA-A receptors, which help promotes sleep. Not only that, but it pairs perfectly with a good book for a before-bed wind-down ritual.

Our meals are made with whole foods that won’t produce sugar spikes that’ll keep you up all night. They’re also portion-controlled, so you won’t be lying in bed with that awful too-full feeling at night. You can set yourself up a subscription so these nutritious, portion-controlled meals are delivered to your house every week, making it easy to consistently make good food choices. Check out the Weight Management Menu for inspiration.