Today I'd like to share how you can eat more ice cream in the name of self-care.
Seriously! I can't get enough of this quick and easy nighttime snack that satisfies my sweet tooth while calming my desire to do all the things. Perfectly. There are tons of factors that influence the quality of sleep we get (caffeine intake, screen time, and dark rooms, to name a few) but I also find it helpful to incorporate a variety of relaxation-promoting whole foods to help out.
Lavender tea (or dried culinary lavender) has to be my favorite edible flower and most recent food I've added to my whole foods pantry. Lavender is especially beneficial for people who struggle with stress and difficulty sleeping. (Hence all the lavender found in those soothing candles and spa treatments.)
I included more sleep-promoting foods in this simple lavender ice cream recipe too. My plant-based version is made with frozen bananas and oats, two nourishing whole foods with sleep-promoting compounds like tryptophan (a precursor to melatonin), potassium, and magnesium.
Try this recipe next time you're in the mood for a sweet snack that could also help you relax. Yep, a plant-based ice cream recipe that will nourish your body, calm your mind, and satisfy your sweet tooth - all in one bowl. Now that's efficiency!
- 3 large frozen bananas
- ¼ cup oats
- ½ teaspoon culinary lavender/lavender tea plus additional for topping if desired
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Honey or pure maple syrup for topping optional
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Add ingredients to food processor and process until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to bowls, drizzle with honey or pure maple syrup and sprinkle with additional lavender if desired.
[Tweet "Ice cream that helps you sleep! Recipe for relaxing Lavender Oat Banana Ice Cream"]
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I have become such a fan of lavender over the last few months! You really can;t get that lovely floral flavor with anything else!
Steph | The Grateful Grazer says
It's so delicious and soothing, isn't it? Thank you Rebecca! 🙂
Lauren O'Connor says
I just bought culinary lavender from a Lavender farm during my trip to Seattle. Been wanting to use it. What a wonderful idea for ice-cream - tasty, refreshing and soothing. 🙂
Steph | The Grateful Grazer says
oo I saw all of the lavender when I was there a couple months ago. This would be the perfect recipe for it, let me know if you try. Thanks Lauren! 🙂
Kaleigh @Lively Table says
Lavender is my favorite! I need this in my life asap!
Steph | The Grateful Grazer says
I know, this was my first time making anything but tea with it and it was such a success! Thanks, Kaleigh!:)
Martha says
I've never actually tried lavender in cooking. Great idea. I'll have to try it. It has such a soothing scent I can understand why this recipe would be good at bedtime.
Steph | The Grateful Grazer says
Thanks, Martha! It is such a relaxing aroma, and it's delicious too! 🙂