Tag: guide

Top 5 Foods for a Good Night’s Sleep

| February 15, 2013

Waitrose Bananas

Waitrose Bananas

As a parent I count my blessings each time I get a full night’s sleep, it’s enough to make me want to jump out of bed with joy in the morning. If my toddler doesn’t wake me then I’m usually lucky enough to sleep through the night. But on occasion when I just can’t drift into a slumber, whether for reasons of stress or just a plain old inability to sleep, I turn to natural foods to assist.

There are some simply brilliant foods to help induce Zzz’s. These foods contain tryptophan which converts to serotonin and melatonin, the brain’s key calming chemicals. Serotonin promotes calm and melatonin helps to cause drowsiness and lower body temperature for a restful sleep. The perfect package for shut-eye.

I recommend trying one or two of these foods 90 minutes before you plan to close your eyes so your digestive system has time to process what you eat before slumber. It’s always a good idea to avoid caffeine and alcohol at least four hours before sleep and don’t go to bed when you’re either hungry or full as this will contribute to a disrupted night’s sleep.

Top 5 Foods for a Good Night’s Sleep

1. Bananas
High in serotonin and melatonin, bananas also contain potassium and magnesium which is a muscle relaxant.

2. Oatmeal
A small bowl of oatmeal contains melatonin and complex carbohydrates which can help more tryptophan get into the brain. Topped with some warm milk this is a healthy source of comfort food and if you’re slightly peckish it will keep those hunger pangs at bay.

3. Almonds
A handful of almonds contains tryptophan and magnesium to relax muscles.

4. Low-fat Cottage Cheese
Low-fat cottage cheese contains tryptophan and is a lean source of protein that will help keep your blood sugar regulated throughout the night.

5. Flaxseed
Known for their mood lifting properties. Sprinkle a couple of teaspoons of flaxseed on a small bowl of oatmeal or on a portion of low-fat cottage cheese.

If you feel like a warm drink before bed a cup of chamomile tea can help to promote calm thanks to chamomile’s natural soothing properties. If you want something a little richer a glass of warm milk contains tryptophan and calcium, known to reduce stress and stabilise nerve fibres.

Take your pick from these Top 5 Foods and see what works best for you.

Most importantly, don’t stress about not sleeping. Having a regular routine before bed will help to get your mind and body in the mood for sleep. A warm bath with some relaxing aromatherapy oils and reading a good book before bed contribute to winding down and preparing for rest.

The Baby Style Guide to Wearing Sunglasses

| February 9, 2013

Baby sunglasses are just so darn cute and handy for keeping harmful UV rays away from baby’s eyes. I bought Imogen’s sunglasses from John Lewis for our holiday in New Zealand. They’re pink and green with little roses on the frame and have category 3 lenses.

Imogen’s been wearing her sunglasses a lot over the past few weeks and has created the Baby Style Guide to Wearing Sunglasses.

1. When you’re learning to wear sunglasses it doesn’t matter if you put them on upside down or askew. So long as you put them on all by yourself and smile.

Baby Sunglasses

2. Watch grown ups. Copy how they keep their sunglasses from slipping down their nose.

Baby Sunglasses

3. Point to whatever you like in amazement. No one can see where you’re really looking.

Baby Sunglasses

4. If in doubt, use all fingers to get your sunglasses in exactly the right place.

Baby Sunglasses