Dining & Wine

This Power Salad Can Help You Recover From A Sleepless Night

September 29, 2024

Certain foods can help your body recover from a bad night’s sleep by boosting energy, improving focus, and promoting relaxation. These foods tend to be rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, antioxidants, and healthy fats, which can reduce stress and support brain function.

Here are some foods that can help with recovery from poor sleep:

  1. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale): High in magnesium, which helps relax muscles and reduce stress.
  2. Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and potassium, it supports brain function and energy levels.
  3. Eggs: A great source of protein and vitamin B6, which aids in serotonin production and improves mood.
  4. Salmon: High in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support brain health.
  5. Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds): Contain magnesium and healthy fats for relaxation and energy.
  6. Bananas: A quick source of energy, high in potassium and vitamin B6, which support muscle function and mood regulation.
  7. Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein and probiotics, it helps regulate mood and gut health.
  8. Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries): Rich in antioxidants, they combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
  9. Oats: Provide slow-releasing energy and contain magnesium to help relax the body.

Salmon & Avocado Power Salad Recipe

This salad combines several sleep-recovery foods into a nourishing, easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup spinach or mixed leafy greens
  • 1/2 an avocado, sliced
  • 1 fillet of grilled salmon (or smoked salmon for a quicker option)
  • 1/4 cup quinoa or brown rice (cooked)
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
  • A handful of blueberries
  • A handful of almonds or walnuts
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (sprinkled on top)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for healthy fats)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (for dressing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the greens: Place the spinach or mixed greens in a large bowl as your base.
  2. Add avocado and salmon: Arrange the avocado slices and grilled (or smoked) salmon on top.
  3. Include quinoa: Add the cooked quinoa or brown rice for a bit of hearty texture and energy-boosting carbohydrates.
  4. Top with egg: Place the sliced hard-boiled egg over the salad for extra protein and B vitamins.
  5. Sprinkle berries and nuts: Add a handful of blueberries and almonds or walnuts for antioxidants and healthy fats.
  6. Finish with seeds and dressing: Sprinkle chia seeds over the top for added omega-3s, and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Why This Dish Helps:

  • Salmon is rich in omega-3s and protein, which help reduce inflammation and support brain function.
  • Avocado provides healthy fats and potassium, aiding in muscle recovery and energy replenishment.
  • Eggs and nuts provide B vitamins and protein to boost mood and focus.
  • Spinach and chia seeds offer magnesium, which helps your body relax and reduce stress.

This power salad is packed with sleep-recovery nutrients, offering a delicious way to replenish your energy and mood after a rough night!

share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Contests
Shopping

get social

VITA

get more out of

READ THE MAGAZINE

Want the best, curated headlines and trends on the fly?

get more out of vita

Sign up for one, or sign up for all!

VITA EDITIONS