For a good night’s sleep your dinner should not only be light, but should also include ingredients that will help your body relax.

• Pineapple, bananas and cherries promote the endogenous production of the “sleep hormone”, melatonin.
• Chickpeas are a rich source of vitamin B6, the vitamin which is responsible for serotonin production in the body and helps you relax at night.
• Black rice is a good source of magnesium, which supports the function of your nervous system.

Other foods that help you relax at night are dairies which contain calcium, nuts which combine B vitamins, magnesium and calcium, and of course chamomile that eases your stress.

Ingredients (yields 4 servings)

• 2 cups of brown rice, boiled
• 2 cups of chickpeas, boiled
• 2 cups pineapple, chopped
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup sliced shallots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp can vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp currants
• 8 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
• Freshly ground pepper

Preparation

• Bring boil and chickpeas to a boil in advance.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add rice and chickpeas, and cook stirring often for 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Add the pineapple, shallots and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in broth, currants, sage and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring for 6 to 8 minutes. Add spinach, chickpeas and the rice and cook, gently stirring, until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes more. Serve drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Nutrient Analysis

* The nutrient analysis above is based on USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference values. The percentages of Daily Values (DV) are based on 2,000 calorie reference diet for healthy adults. Your daily values may be higher or lower based on your individual needs.

Recipes adapted from:

http://www.eatingwell.com (Chickpea, Spinach & Squash Gnocchi)