If you’re trying to calm your nerves and get over the #bridezilla mode, a big jar of smoothie can help. Smoothies are a great way to add some fruits and vegetables to your bridal diet anyway, making it a perfect snack if you’ve got no time of eating them straight up. In addition, there are some specific ingredients known to help with anxiety and stress. Find below an easy 5-ingredient calming smoothie for your bridal journey. Have it as a savory snack in the afternoon or an hour before bed to get quality sleep at night.
You’ll Need:
- 2 Ripe Bananas
- 3 Cups Milk
- 1 teaspoon Cocoa Powder
- 2 tbsp Oats
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 2-3 Ice Cubes (if you like your smoothies chilled)
Recipe:
Freeze your bananas overnight. This gives your smoothie a rich and creamy texture. Blend all the ingredients in a high-powered blender till the smoothie reaches the desired consistency. Pour it into a jar and enjoy!
P.S.: If you’re allergic to dairy or are vegan, feel free to replace the milk with almond milk. Try this easy almond milk recipe here to make yours at home.
Benefits:
Bananas are a rich source of both potassium and magnesium. Both of these ingredients relax the muscles and reduces symptoms associated with anxiety and stress. Moreover, bananas are natural beta-blockers so it prevents adrenaline binding to beta receptors. Adrenaline hormone is a direct result of stress & anxiety and stimulates the panic system of the body. Just 2 nutritious bananas decrease these effects considerably and calm you down instantly.
Milk has calcium which lowers cortisol levels in the body, a stress hormone associated with anxiety. Whole milk is also the richest natural source of tryptophan, a well-known prescribed ingredient for anxiety. Studies have suggested that those with low tryptophan levels experience depression, tension, and nervousness more than normal.
Cocoa Powder is an excellent source of stress-reducing substances valeric acid and magnesium. The delicious powder also has an amazing antioxidant profile that gives it a natural antidepressant reputation. One of the antioxidants called phenylethylamine is the chemical responsible for the ‘euphoric feeling of love’. There are several others who combine to beat the stress and anxiety out of you and boost your mood.
Oats provide us with a huge dose of fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins to neutralize the stress hormone in your body called cortisol. Plus, oatmeal releases serotonin in the body, a calming chemical responsible for stabilizing our mood, and promoting feelings of well-being and happiness.
Honey contributes to the release of melatonin and has been used as a sleeping aid for years. Experts suggest adding a tbsp of honey to your smoothies and porridge for an instant calming effect. Regularly consuming honey balances and spreads dopamine and serotonin levels throughout the brain. That should make you happier!
This delectable smoothie has an amazing nutrient profile to keep you full and healthy. Add some healthy fats by sprinkling flaxseed powder on top. Don’t forget to let us know how much you loved it in the comments section below.
