These energy bites are great to keep in your fridge and pop when you are looking for a little pick-me-up. They are the ideal combination of protein, fat, and fiber and give you a boost to help get you through that 3pm slump (or all day exhaustion in my case). These bites are also a great antidote for curbing a sweet tooth that may emerge after a meal or at the end of the day.
If you are breastfeeding, producing enough milk is a concern for a lot of women. Fortunately, there are certain foods that help promote milk production. Lactogenic foods or galactagogues possess certain properties which stimulate milk production. Oats, flax, almonds, sesame seeds. fenugreek, and fennel contain phytoestrogens or beta-glucans which help stimulate lactation and assist in producing more milk. Also, staying adequately hydrated and fueling yourself throughout the day are essential for milk production. I try to drink 16 ounces of water every time I feed Jack. It's certainly not classy, but I usually drink from 24oz mason jars to optimize my hydration during the day. I also drink at least one cup of Mother's Milk tea or Liquid Gold tea daily.
If you are not breastfeeding, do not be "turned off" to making these healthy energy bites. They are just as nutritious and tasty regardless of whether or not you are feeding a small human.
makes 24 balls
- 12 dates, pitted and halved. If dates are on the harder side, soak in warm water for 15 minutes
- 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 3/4 cup peanut butter, almond butter, or sun butter (sugar and salt-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cacao nibs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (optional)
- Optional toppings for dusting: sesame seeds, unsweetened shredded coconut flakes, cacao powder, matcha, pomegranate powder, goji powder
method
Combine dates, ground flax, oats, nut butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and cacao nibs and powder, if using, in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is sticky and a tad crumbly. Using your hands, roll the date mixture into tablespoon-size balls. Roll each ball in optional toppings. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
Suggested serving 1 to 2 energy bites.
