SLEEP STEALERS
AVOID THESE FOODS FOR BETTER SLEEP
For the estimated 1 in 3 Americans who struggle with insomnia, avoiding sleepless nights is a top priority. Most people know to ease into relaxing activities and avoid blue light from digital devices for at least an hour before bedtime. However, avoiding certain foods that can keep you awake is just as important. Here are four of the worst culprits. Rhythm Wreckers Cheese lovers, beware! Tyramine, an amino acid found in fermented and aged foods, including cheese, tends to trigger the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that can raise blood pressure. Alcohol also is believed to interfere with circadian rhythms by disrupting the body’s sensitivity to natural sleep cues, such as waning light in the evening. Acid Igniters For the estimated 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from acid reflux, the food and drink consumed
before bedtime are pivotal to sleep quality. Foods that trigger this gastrointestinal disorder include spicy items and high-fat dairy products like ice cream. Sadly, popular party fare, which includes cheese, tomato sauce, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, also can trigger heartburn. Tummy Troublemakers As enjoyable as carbonated beverages may be, they can cause gas, bloating, and general stomach discomfort, preventing you from settling into sleep. Other potential triggers of stomach problems include citrus fruits, which have a high acid content that can fuel stomach acid. Citrus also acts as a natural diuretic, prompting you to awaken in need of a bathroom at night. Hidden Caffeine Avoiding the caffeine in coffee, energy drinks, and soft drinks is a no-brainer, but certain teas can disrupt sleep, too. While even the highest- caffeine teas, including yerba mate and black
tea, have less than half as much caffeine as a standard cup of coffee, all true teas — so defined because they are made from the Camellia sinensis plant — still have enough caffeine to disturb sleep. Only herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus brews are caffeine- free. And chamomile, in particular, contains the added benefit of a plant-based compound called apigenin, which calms the brain.
Ingredients • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp ground pepper • 2 1/2 tsp honey • 3/4 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp garlic powder CHICKEN CAPRESE SALAD
Take a break
Inspired by EatingWell.com
• 2 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced • 8 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce • 1 lb grape tomatoes, halved • 1 (8-oz) container fresh small mozzarella cheese balls in water, drained
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Directions
1. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer 6 tbsp of mixture to a smaller bowl and whisk in honey; set aside. 2. To mixture in the medium bowl, add 1/2 tsp salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes. 3. Coat a grill pan with oil. Over medium heat, add chicken and cook until grill marks appear on each side, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let stand for 5 minutes. 4. Arrange romaine, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a large platter; sprinkle with salt. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the honey mixture.
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