While this pattern is all too common, feeling tired, exhausted or in a constant state of flight or fight response should not be considered “normal.”
To make matters worse, when we find ourselves suffering from stress, anxiety or too little sleep, we’ve been marketed by the media to reach for short-cuts or quick fixes like pharmaceuticals that may temporarily improve our state, but come with a plethora of side effects and negative long-term implications.
If there was one key takeaway I learned when I attended the Mind Body Green Revitalize conference the other weekend (with some of the most influential doctors, researchers, healers and scientists in the wellness space) unlike what we’ve been conditioned to believe as a country of consumers,there is no one silver bullet to improve your health.
Rather it’s the choices you make on a daily basis (your lifestyle) that can either contribute positively to your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, or detract from it.
Nutrient-dense food, daily movement (exercise), positive thinking (and releasing suppressed negative emotions), quality sleep, supplements and a sense of community, purpose and spirituality were the key pillars that continued to come up throughout the conference, but for today’s post we’re going to focus on my favorite topic — FOOD.
And more specifically, the recipe for these No-Bake Nutella CBD Bliss Balls, which are insanely delicious (think your favorite childhood spread in a chewy, chocolatey/nutty ball form), easy to make (hi, no cooking) and include a plethora of nutrients to help you reduce stress and sleep more soundly.
STRESS-REDUCING + SLEEP-IMPROVING INGREDIENTS
+ Hazelnuts
Studies indicate that about 75% of Americans don’t meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium, yet it’s absolutely essential for over 300 biochemical reactions in our body (helping your brain, nerves, heart, eyes, immune system, and muscles to function).
Not getting enough magnesium has been attributed to symptoms like migraines, sugar cravings and insulin resistance, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and more.
Lucky for us, nuts and seeds are not only delicious but some of the highest magnesium foods on the planet! I especially love hazelnuts as they provide 11 percent of your RDA for magnesium. Oh and BONUS ALERT: they’re also rich in vitamin B6, which helps to keep our nervous system healthy.
+ Dark Chocolate
Another one of my fave magnesium-rich foods, dark chocolate is also loaded with antioxidants called polyphenols, which boost blood brain flow and increase serotonin production (your feel-good relaxation hormone). That being said, dark chocolate does contain trace amounts of caffeine, so if you’re super sensitive you may want to consume earlier in the day.
+ CBD Oil
CBD contains active compounds called cannabinoids that interact with our endocannabinoid system (aka almost every system in our bodies) helping to balance and regulate everything from our neurotransmitter and mitochondrial function to inflammation and metabolism. I use CBD sourced from hemp, which contains very low levels of THC (under 0.3%) so I get the amazing anti-inflammatory and stress + anxiety-reducing properties of cannabis without the high.
Read this post to get the full scoop on CBD (as well as what you need to look for in brands before purchasing). Beware there are a lot of companies our there capitalizing on this trend and making money off ineffective products as a result. I love the brand Soul Addict and you can use my code sa_lauren20 to save 20% off your first purchase.
+ Flaxseeds
These fiber-rich seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ALA, which help to reduce inflammation in the brain. They’re also packed with antioxidants called lignans, which help to reduce free radical damage, balance estrogen metabolism, stabilize blood sugar and even support the growth of good bacteria in the gut (all of which are linked to optimal brain health and sleep).
+ Ceylon Cinnamon
This incredibly antioxidant-rich spice helps to boost brain function and defend against neurological disorders. It also helps slow sugar absorption and stabilizes blood sugar, which is key when you’re experiencing chronic stress or sleep issues. This is because your stress response causes you to secrete the “fight or flight” hormone cortisol, which causes blood sugar spikes (i.e. an increase in energy) leading to that “wired and tired” feeling and trouble relaxing or falling asleep as a direct result.
So there you have it, a few of my fave stress-reducing, sleep-boosting ingredients, all rolled up into a delicious ball you can enjoy at your own leisure. Hope you enjoy and sending you all the zen vibes!
1 dropper full (i.e. 15 drops or 4.2 mg) Hemp CBD Oil (use code SA_Lauren20 to save 20% off your first order)
Optional: flaky sea salt or more chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
Add hazelnuts to a food processor and pulse until a course meal forms
Add the dates, cacao powder, hazelnut butter, flaxseed, cinnamon and sea salt. Pulse until well mixed and set aside.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a stovetop pan over medium low-heat until mixed. Remove from heat and add in CBD oil.
Use either your hands or an ice cream scooper (I like this method as it keeps hands clean and is easier to form even balls) to form large balls.
Place balls on a parchment lined baking pan and drizzle with CBD chocolate. Top with more chopped hazelnuts and sea salt, then place in freezer for minimum 20 minutes (or chill in fride for 2 hours).
Keep balls in fridge (will last up to a week) or freezer for up to 2 months. Makes an excellent snack on the go or when traveling, and I especially love crumbling them over smoothie, chia or yogurt bowls.
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