We've all been there - lying awake at 2am, counting sheep, adjusting pillows, and wondering why sleep feels so elusive. But here's something you might not have considered: your journey to better sleep doesn't just begin when you switch off the lights. It starts hours earlier, on your dinner plate.
Our founder Bethany has learned this the hard way. After experiencing the real struggle of restless nights, she discovered that what she ate and when made all the difference. Think of your body like a finely tuned machine. What you fuel it with directly impacts how well it winds down at night. Certain foods can help promote relaxation and support your natural sleep cycle, while others can leave you tossing and turning. The good news? A few simple tweaks to your eating habits can make a world of difference, and we’re here to share them with you.
Bethany's Top Nutrition Tips for Better Sleep
Balance Your Evening Plate
Bethany swears by a balanced dinner that includes protein, healthy fats, and slow-release carbohydrates. This combination helps keep your blood sugar stable throughout the night, preventing those disruptive 3am wakeups. Think grilled salmon with quinoa and roasted vegetables, or a hearty lentil stew with avocado. It's not about being restrictive, it's about being smart with your choices.
Timing Is Everything
One of Bethany's golden rules? Leave at least two hours between your last meal and bedtime. "Your body needs time to digest before it can truly rest," she explains. Eating too close to bedtime means your body is still working hard when it should be winding down. If you're genuinely hungry before bed, opt for something light like a small handful of nuts or seeds.
Rethink Your Evening Drinks
We all know that caffeine before bed is a no-go, but Bethany also recommends being mindful of alcohol and excessive fluids in the evening. While a glass of wine might make you feel sleepy initially, it can disrupt your sleep quality later in the night. And too many fluids will result in those disruptive midnight bathroom trips.
Add Sleep-Supporting Foods
Here's where it gets interesting. Certain foods are naturally rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body produce melatonin (the sleep hormone). Bethany makes sure to include foods like turkey, eggs, legumes, and seeds in her evening meals. They're delicious and naturally support better rest.
Bethany's Secret Weapon
A glass of magnesium soda, mixed with tart cherry juice and Mush Stress Less which contains super-strength Reishi mushroom extract. "It's become my natural nightcap," she says. "The combination just works for me – and I sleep like a log." She enjoys it about an hour before bed, giving her body time to absorb all the goodness while she winds down with a book or some gentle stretching.
Your Turn to Sleep Better
Better sleep doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, it's the small, consistent changes that make the biggest impact. By being more mindful of what and when you eat, you're giving your body the best possible chance for truly restorative rest.
Ready to upgrade your evening routine? Start with Bethany's tips and see what works for you. Your body and your morning self will thank you for it!
Sweet dreams! 💜
