I was reading an article in “Zen to Fitness” about 7 great ways to end the day. For someone trying to gain weight, there’s no better way to end the day then by taking in some last minute calories and protein to help your body continue to gain weight and repair muscle over night… And that’s why something in that article caught my attention.

Sometimes before bed we can get a slight hunger pang, not enough to warrant a meal or snack even but rather to nod us off to sleep. Try lightly heating a small cup of milk, stir in some cinnamon and raw honey and sip on it before going to bed. The milk will help calm the stomach and give a sedative effect, so don’t be surprised if you start yawning soon after. – Zen to Fitness

Warm Milk… I had never thought of that. Before bed I usually gulp down a 300 calorie glass of cold milk (everyone knows milk is a decent source of protein) but warm milk seems like it could be much more relaxing. This got me wondering if there are any good recipes out there for warm milk. Here’s a recipe I just tried out and its pretty delicious.

• 1 cup whole milk – 150 calories 8g protein
• 4 tablespoons of 1/2 & 1/2 – 80 calories
• 1 tablespoon sugar – 45 calories
• 2 drops of vanilla extract
• Microwave on high for just over 1 minute – stir and enjoy

If its a little too rich for your tasting, leave out the 1/2 & 1/2 or try skim milk. 275 Calories, 8 grams of protein, and one relaxing and delicious drink that does well right before bed.

Do you have a good recipe for warm milk? Have a good tasting way to add some more protein to the drink? Let me know!