Nighty-Night Spinach and Barley Puree
Introducing a nourishing spinach and barley puree, specifically crafted to aid in weaning your baby while promoting a restful night's sleep. This sleep-inducing recipe offers a blend of wholesome ingredients to support your baby's transition to solid foods, ensuring both nutrition and tranquility.

About this Recipe

Incorporating sleep-supporting foods into your evening routine can set the stage for a restful night’s sleep. This spinach and barley puree 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 recip

Barley is an excellent addition to your diet for promoting better sleep. It contains nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B6, which are known to influence sleep patterns. Magnesium, found abundantly in whole grains like barley, plays a vital role in the relaxation of muscles and the regulation of neurotransmitters involved in sleep. Additionally, barley is rich in vitamin B6, essential for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, key hormones that regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

 

spinach and barley puree - weaning baby recipe that supports better sleep

Spinach is often recognised as a sleep-friendly food due to its rich nutritional profile. Packed with magnesium, vitamin B6, and other essential nutrients, spinach can potentially support relaxation and the production of sleep-promoting hormones like serotonin and melatonin. Additionally, its high fiber content aids in digestion, while its hydrating properties contribute to overall well-being.

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 spinach into a balanced diet alongside other sleep-promoting foods may offer potential benefits for improving sleep quality and overall health.

Bonus tip – try adding turkey for extra sleepy boost. Turkey is a nutritious and versatile meat that offers various health benefits, including its potential role in promoting better sleep. One of the key components of turkey that contributes to its sleep-promoting properties is tryptophan.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and sleep. When consumed, tryptophan is converted into serotonin in the brain, which is then further metabolised into melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.

 

Let’s try our nighty-night spinach and barley puree, packed with nutrients known to promote sleep. Incorporating this delicious bedtime treat into yours 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.

NIGHTY-NIGHT SPINACH AND BARLEY PUREE RECIPE

Ingredients and Instructions:

  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup barley, rinsed
  • 1 cup water or vegetable stock, choose zero salt veggie stock cubes
  • In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil.
  • Add the barley to the boiling liquid, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and cooked through.
  • While the barley is cooking, steam the chopped spinach until wilted and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once both the barley and spinach are cooked, allow them to cool slightly.
  • Transfer the cooked barley and spinach to a blender or food processor.
  • Blend until smooth, adding a little water or vegetable broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  • Serve a small portion to your baby, and store the remaining puree in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
  • Serve the Nighty-Night Spinach and Barley Puree warm or chilled, depending on your baby’s preference

As your baby progresses in their weaning journey, you can introduce seasoning and flavourings such as onion, garlic, ginger, or herbs such as coriander, basil or parsley to further enhance the taste and nutritional profile of this barley sweet potato puree.

Remember to always check the temperature of the food before serving it to your baby and be mindful of any potential allergies or sensitivities. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s diet, consult with your pediatrician.

You can get creative and make a variety of different purees using the list of sleepy foods. Try incorporating sleepy foods into your smoothie recipes for a delicious and nutritious bedtime snack.

This Nighty-Night Spinach and Barley Puree makes a perfect diner for your baby. It’s nutritious, delicious, and helps promote a peaceful night’s sleep. After trying it out, feel free to share your experience with us!

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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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