Squashy Sweet Dreams Butternut Squash Soup
Warm up with a cozy bowl of Squashy Sweet Dreams Butternut Squash Soup, a delightful blend of creamy butternut squash, fragrant spices, and rich cream cheese. Perfect for both kids and adults, this healthy soup is not only packed with vitamins and nutrients but also offers a comforting bedtime treat that’s guaranteed to soothe anyone to sleep.

About this Recipe

Incorporating sleep-supporting foods into your evening routine can set the stage for a restful night’s sleep. This Butternut Squash Soup is not only delicious but also packed with ingredients known to promote relaxation and healthy sleep patterns. Let’s explore the key ingredients and their sleepy properties before diving into the recipe.

Greek yoghurt adds creaminess and a boost of nutrients to our butternut squash soup. It’s an excellent source of calcium, which is not only important for bone health but also plays a role in the production of melatonin.

The study titled “Exploring the Role of Dairy Products In Sleep Quality: From Population Studies to Mechanistic Evaluations” have shown that calcium levels may influence melatonin production, thus affecting our sleep-wake cycle.

butternut squash soup

 

Additionally, Greek yoghurt contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Research suggests that there is a connection between gut health and sleep quality, with a healthy gut microbiome potentially promoting better sleep (Matenchuk et al., 2020).

Butternut squash is an excellent addition to a sleep-friendly diet, thanks to its rich content of vitamins and minerals that support relaxation and sleep quality. This nutrient-dense vegetable is high in magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6. Each of these nutrients has a role in promoting better sleep:

 

  • Magnesium: Known for its calming properties, magnesium helps relax the muscles and can reduce stress levels. A recent study titled “Association of magnesium intake with sleep duration and sleep quality: findings from the CARDIA study”, published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) highlights the potential health benefits of magnesium consumption for sleep quality. The study suggests that higher magnesium intake is associated with better sleep quality and longer sleep duration. While individual responses to foods may vary, incorporating butternut squash into a balanced diet alongside other sleep-promoting foods may offer potential benefits for improving sleep quality and overall health.
  • Potassium: This mineral helps to regulate muscle contractions, reducing the likelihood of cramps or restless legs that can interfere with sleep. The combination of potassium and magnesium can support a restful night.
  • Vitamin B6: Butternut squash is also a good source of vitamin B6, which is essential for the production of serotonin—a neurotransmitter that is converted into melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep cycles.

Let’s try our Butternut Squash Soup, packed with nutrients known to promote sleep. Incorporating this delicious bedtime treat into your and your child’s evening routine can help facilitate a restful night’s sleep, ensuring they wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.

 

 

butternut squash soup recipe for better sleep

SQUASHY SWEET DREAMS BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Ingredients and Instructions:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Salt (grown ups only) and pepper to taste 
  • Optional toppings: a dollop of yoghurt, pumpkin seeds, or a sprinkle of nutmeg
  • For younger babies, leave out the spices
  • Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  • Cook Squash: Stir in the cubed butternut squash, ginger, and cinnamon. Cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Add Broth: Pour in the broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  • Blend: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
  • Incorporate Cream Cheese: Return the soup to low heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve: Serve warm, top with yoghurt and garnished with your choice of toppings.

    Enjoy!

    This creamy, wholesome butternut squash soup is a delightful way to end your day, introducing kids to healthy ingredients while ensuring sweet dreams and restful nights! The addition of cream cheese adds a velvety texture, making it an even bigger hit for all ages.

You can get creative and make a variety of delicious and nutritious bedtime snacks using THIS LIST OF SLEEP-FRIENDLY FOODS. Try incorporating these ingredients into your recipes to create meals that support relaxation and help promote a restful night’s sleep. 

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Rate this recipe in the comments bellow, share your creations, and let us know about your experience! We’re eager to hear how our recipe worked out for you and any modifications you made. Happy cooking and sweet dreams!

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