Recipes

4 Delicious Recipes to Eat Your Way to Better Sleep

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bagels
bagels

Two-Ingredient Almond Flour & Greek Yogurt Protein Bagels

Why I Love This Recipe-A Dietitian’s Perspective

These easy, protein-rich bagels combine Greek yogurt for protein with almond flour for fibre, magnesium and heart-healthy fats. Pair with eggs or smoked salmon for a satisfying breakfast with approximately 30 g of protein. Balanced meals support appetite regulation and overall metabolic health.

Yield: 6 bagels

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (0–2% M.F.)
  • 2 cups fine blanched almond flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Greek yogurt and almond flour until a soft dough forms.
  3. Divide into 6 portions, roll into logs and join the ends to form bagels.
  4. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and set. Cool before slicing.

Swaps & Tips

  • Fluffier texture: Add 1–2 tsp baking powder.
  • Toppings: Try sesame seeds, poppy seeds or cinnamon.
  • Protein boost: Add eggs, smoked salmon or ricotta.
  • Meal prep: Freeze individually and toast when ready.

Estimated Nutrition Per Bagel

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Fibre: 4 g

Excludes additional toppings. Almond flour bagels are softer and denser than traditional bagels.

lasagna

Italian Chicken & Ricotta Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

Why I Love This Recipe-A Dietitian’s Perspective

All the comforting flavours of Italian lasagna, with extra vegetables and protein! Extra-lean ground chicken, ricotta and mozzarella support muscle maintenance and fullness, while zucchini replaces traditional pasta sheets. A delicious, balanced dinner that fits into healthy eating and sleep routines.

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Bake Time: 45–55 minutes total

Ingredients

Zucchini

  • 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise

Chicken & Ricotta Filling

  • 1 lb (454 g) extra-lean ground chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Toppings

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange zucchini slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to soften. Pat dry.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook ground chicken with garlic and ½ tsp salt until fully cooked, reaching 165°F (74°C). Cool slightly.
  4. Combine cooked chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, fresh basil, egg and dried herbs and spices.
  5. Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a rectangular baking dish.
  6. Spoon filling onto each zucchini slice. Roll tightly and arrange upright, swirl-side up.
  7. Repeat with remaining zucchini and filling.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the rolls.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes, until bubbly, golden and heated through.

Swaps & Tips

  • Protein: Substitute extra-lean ground turkey.
  • Ricotta: Replace with cottage cheese.
  • Vegetables: Add finely chopped spinach.
  • Meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Prevent watery zucchini: Prebake and pat dry before rolling.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Fibre: 4 g

Estimated for 6 servings using extra-lean ground chicken and typical cheese products. Nutrition should be verified against the exact brands used.

bark

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Magnesium Bark

Why I Love This Recipe-A Dietitian’s Perspective

This delicious, freezer-friendly bark combines magnesium-rich pumpkin seeds, almonds, chia and dark chocolate. Magnesium supports normal nerve and muscle function, while nuts and seeds provide fibre and heart-healthy fats. A simple way to enjoy more nutrient-dense foods!

Yield: 16 pieces

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Freeze Time: 20–30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 200 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
  • ½ cup raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • ¼ cup dried tart cherries, chopped
  • ¼ tsp flaky sea salt

Directions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Melt dark chocolate in 20–30-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
  3. Spread chocolate into a thin rectangle.
  4. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, almonds, chia seeds and dried cherries.
  5. Finish with flaky sea salt.
  6. Freeze for 20–30 minutes, until firm.
  7. Break into 16 pieces and store in an airtight container.

Swaps & Tips

  • Nuts: Substitute pistachios or walnuts.
  • Fruit: Try freeze-dried raspberries instead of dried cherries.
  • Extra crunch: Lightly toast pumpkin seeds.
  • Meal prep: Store in the freezer for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
  • Sleep tip: Dark chocolate contains caffeine. Enjoy earlier in the day if caffeine-sensitive.

Estimated Nutrition Per Piece

  • Calories: 125 kcal
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fibre: 2 g
mocktail

Tart Cherry & Kiwi Sleepy Time Mocktail

Why I Love This Recipe-A Dietitian’s Perspective

This refreshing mocktail features tart cherry juice, which naturally contains small amounts of melatonin, and kiwi, a source of serotonin and antioxidants. Early research suggests potential sleep benefits, making this a fun evening ritual to complement healthy sleep habits.

Yield: 1 mocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup (80 mL) unsweetened tart cherry juice
  • ½ cup (125 mL) plain sparkling water
  • ½ tsp Natural Calm magnesium powder (optional)
  • 2 tbsp warm water, for dissolving magnesium
  • 1 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 kiwi, sliced, served on the side
  • Ice, optional
  • Lime wheel or frozen tart cherries, optional garnish

Directions

  1. If using magnesium powder, dissolve in warm water according to the product directions. Allow fizzing to finish.
  2. Add tart cherry juice and lime juice to a glass.
  3. Stir in dissolved magnesium, if using.
  4. Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
  5. Garnish with lime or frozen cherries and serve with kiwi slices.

Swaps & Tips

  • Less sugar: Use less tart cherry juice and more sparkling water.
  • Less carbonation: Substitute still water.
  • Magnesium: Optional; follow product dosing instructions.
  • Hydration: Drink fluids throughout the day rather than saving them all for bedtime.
  • Kiwi: Serve two kiwis to match the quantity used in the small sleep study; nutrition below includes one.

Suggested Product: Natural Calm Magnesium Citrate Powder-Cherry Flavour

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

Includes one kiwi.

  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Fibre: 2 g