By Mike Roussell, PhD
The power of protein is well-known to top athletes: It builds muscle and drives healing from their toughest workouts. But it serves another purpose too: Protein can actually supercharge your sleep. For decades, people avoided eating before bed, worried that the body wouldn’t digest food during sleep. But scientists from the Netherlands proved otherwise: Your body can use protein to build and repair muscle efficiently when you’re asleep, too.
Take advantage of that, and take advantage of the power of slow-digesting casein protein (in the form of cottage cheese) in this delectable pre-bedtime treat..
Nutritional facts
Calories 227, Protein 36g, Carbs 10g (Fiber: 2g), Fat 5g
Ingredients
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3/4 cup low fat cottage cheese
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1/2 cup scoop chocolate protein powder
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1 tbsp PB2 high-protein peanut butter
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1tsp cacao nibs
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2 tbsp water
How to Prepare
Combine cottage cheese, protein powder, and PB2 in a blender, then add 2-4 tbsp of water. Blend until smooth (and use only the water you need to blend the ingredients, adding a little at a time). Using a spatula, put chocolate peanut butter protein mousse into a bowl, top with cacao nibs and place in the freezer for 20 minutes before eating.
AUTHOR BIO: Mike Roussell, PhD
Mike Roussell, PhD, is an author, speaker, and nutrition strategist who has spent more than 20 years transforming complex nutritional concepts into practical habits that change lives.
His clients have included NBA all-stars, tech execs, and TV personalities.