Protein for the morning and carbs for the evening: a sleep cure

Many of my patients are on a low carb diet. Great for so many things. However it does put them at risk sometimes for constipation and also restless sleep. Likely due to overnight dips in blood sugar or due to reduced serotonin and melatonin production that is derived from the food amino acid called Tryptophan. Healthy evening serotonin levels are also needed to reduce effects of elevated evening cortisol.

There are some ways to help and my favorite way is this bedtime meal that I call "Sawing Oats" as in "Sawing Logs".

I digress.

Here is the simple recipe:

1/2 cup Oatmeal
3/4 cup Cashew Milk (oat milk or almond milk is fine)
1 tablespoon of Almond Butter
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/8 tsp of poppy seeds

Directions:
Bring milk and oatmeal to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
Simmer down for 5-10 minutes until mixture is soft , moist, and but not drippy.
Remove from stove
Add 1 tablespoon of Almond butter and stir until it blends with the oatmeal
Add 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon
add 1/8 tsp of poppy seeds.

Eat, brush your teeth, and head to bed!

Don't be surprised if you sleep better and wake up in the morning with a healthy bowel movement.

Comments

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