Chia Pudding of Your Dreams + Sleepy MONQ
Hey, everyone! I'm so thrilled to announce the beginning of our MONQ Personal Diffuser takeover starting now!
What is MONQ?
According to their site: it’s a recyclable diffuser that promotes mood change and various effects through our custom blends of essential oils and the ancient practice of aromatherapy. MONQ is the simplest aromatherapy device in history. You don’t have to know anything about essential oils—we do all of that for you. Simply pick the way you want to feel, open your MONQ, and breathe in as your MONQ diffuses an eclectic blend of essential oils and wild plant extracts! MONQ is available in 7 different blends, all of which are organic, natural, and free of nicotine, tobacco, or artificial chemicals.
This week, I'm highlighting each MONQ with a specific and unique recipe designed to not only compliment the specific flavors of the individual diffuser, but also with ingredients that promote similar health benefits.
Sleepy MONQ
++ Essential oil blend: lavender, lemongrass, valerian
A blend of essential oils which are commonly and traditionally believed to help aid in relaxation and sleep, specifically. Personally, I've always found lavender very calming, and have had good experiences taking valerian to help with racing thoughts while laying in bed at night. Lemongrass is believed to help in relaxing nerves and grounding one through reducing irritability.
++ Paired with blueberries, cinnamon, almonds, coconut, chia
I chose to pair this MONQ with blueberries, cinnamon, almonds, coconut, and chia for a variety of reasons, but one of the most prominent is flavor! The Sleepy MONQ strongly reminds me of a London Fog latte -- slightly Fruity Pebbly, warm, and dreamy. In addition to the delicious flavor pairing, I included ingredients which help induce healthy sleep!
Blueberries are rich in vitamins A and C which are linked to sleep enhancement. They're also known to help control blood sugar levels, reducing spikes while still enjoying the natural sugars and tart flavor --- perfect to help prevent that sweaty, blood-sugar spike in the middle of the night. Cinnamon is a warming spice that alleviates your body and promotes relaxation. It likewise assists with circulation and digestion, which may interfere with great rest if not flowing properly, making it perfect for a long night's rest. Chia seeds contain the amino acid tryptophan, the same amino acid found in turkey that makes you feel relaxed or sleepy (Thanksgiving coma, anyone?); tryptophan raises your melatonin and seratonin levels, making you relaxed, promoting sleep. Almonds also contain magnesium and tryptophan to promote sleep. Coconut has been linked to helping stabilize hormonal fluctuations which can interfere with healthy sleep.
Chia Pudding of Your Dreams
RECIPE
Serves: 1 || Time: 20 min
- 1/2 cup light canned coconut milk
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- optional: drizzle of honey, crumbled blueberry Larabar, oats
- salt to taste
- Combine chia seeds, protein powder, coconut milk, cinnamon, and coconut in a bowl (or shake to combine in a mason jar with a lid)
- Stash in fridge for around 20 minutes to thicken into pudding consistency.
- In the meantime, gather toppings, and crumble Larabar (or other options)
- In a clear glass, layer pudding, blueberries, almond butter, honey, oats, more pudding, etc.
