This traditional breakfast staple can actually help you SLEEP!!! Yep, it’s true. Oatmeal is a great sleep aid. This complex carbohydrate is also rich in protein, in particular, tryptophan (the same amino acid found in turkey that makes us sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner!). Tryptophan is an essential (meaning you must get it from food) amino acid that, in the presence of vitamin B6 and magnesium, is responsible for the production of our feel-good transmitter serotonin. Not only does serotonin help alleviate depression , it also regulates the onset of sleep and is a precursor to melatonin production.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oatmeal;
- 2 cups almond milk (or as needed);
- Seeds from 1 vanilla beans
Toppings:
- Coarsely chopped almonds;
- Dried blueberries;
- Diced dried apricots;
- Chia seeds;
- Ground cinnamon;
Directions:
Heat the oatmeal and 2 cups almond milk to a boil in a small saucepan. Adjust the heat to simmering and cook, stirring often, until the oatmeal is tender and the almond milk is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Add more almond milk, a little at a time, if the oatmeal gets too thick before it is tender. Spoon into bowls and top with the toppings of your choice.
