3 Sleep-Friendly Recipes

Looking to get a good night’s sleep? The path to more successful slumber runs through your kitchen.

A number of foods contain substances that promote healthier sleep patterns…and are tasty as well. Each of these recipes highlights one of these sleepytime foods.

Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Bananas provide magnesium, an essential mineral, and tryptophan, an amino acid, both of which are known to support sleep.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

4 frozen strawberries

1/2 banana, frozen

1 cup almond milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 scoop Strawberry SPIRU-TEIN

Combine ingredients in a large, high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix, and blend until smooth and creamy.

Yields: 1 serving

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Cherry-Stuffed Grilled Chicken

Cherries supply melatonin, a hormone crucial to healthy sleep, as well as fiber and healthful phytonutrients.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1 1/2 cups pitted and coarsely chopped sweet cherries

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 tsp chopped fresh sage

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

4 skinless chicken breast halves (4–6 oz each)

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp coarsely ground pepper

1. Combine cherries, onion, sage, salt and thyme; mix well.

2. Cut a pocket on the thicker side of each chicken breast; sprinkle lightly with salt if desired. Stuff 1/4 of cherry mixture into each pocket; close openings with metal skewers or wooden picks.

3. Combine oil, vinegar, garlic salt and pepper; mix well. Marinate stuffed chicken breasts 1/2 hour in refrigerator.

4. Broil or grill chicken breasts, brushing with marinade within first 3 minutes, until fully cooked and juices run clear when sliced.

Yields: 4 servings

Source: reprinted with permission from Northwest Cherry Growers

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(No Bake) Walnut Brownie Bites

Walnuts provide both melatonin and tryptophan along with essential fatty acids and vitamin E.

1 cup raw almond meal

1/2 cup cacao powder

1/8 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates (packed)

2 tbsp honey

1/4 cup raw walnuts, crushed

1. Place almond meal, cacao powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Add dates and honey to the mixture and combine until mixed well. Stir in crushed walnuts.

2. Line a loaf pan or square pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Press mixture into bottom of pan. Enjoy immediately or chill for a firmer texture.

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**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.