These pregnancy date energy balls, pregnancy protein balls, nut and fruit balls, or energy balls, (whatever you want to call them!) are an excellent snack option for pregnant mamas because they are high in protein and healthy fats which we need more of during pregnancy. Studies also link date consumption to shorter, less painful births that can help women have labors with less interventions. Eating dates throughout pregnancy is highly recommended by doulas, midwives and other natural birthing practices. BUT, these don’t have to just be for pre/postnatal purposes because boy my husband and kids LOVE them too. And nutritious for everyone!
If you’ve had a larabar these are what they are most similar to. I just like the simple ingredients and being able to change flavors and add “toppings” of my choice. These also are super wonderful to freeze and prepare your home with easy snacks for the newborn baby phase. You can also use the base idea of dates, nuts, and then modify for goals. Like for breastfeeding, add wheat germ, flax seed, brewers yeast, or more oatmeal. All milk supply boosting ingredients! I personally love adding collagen protein for all the amazing benefits (skin, hair, joints, etc.), but if you don’t want to include it, you can substitute with a vegan protein or just leave it out, that’s fine too! *Also – check with your doctor before starting any new nutritional supplements while pregnant*
Really these couldn’t be more simple as everything goes into the food processor or Vitamix and you can portion and roll the balls to your size preference. I do not soak the dates as some recipes say, so it’s from pantry to homemade energy balls in less then 10 mins. Really I eyeball the consistency. You don’t want them too dry where they will not stick together. If this happens add more dates, more peanut butter, or if you want sweeter as a dessert replacement, add some honey and this will definitely help bind together.
{No Bake} Pregnancy Date Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates, pits removed (roughly 10-11 dates)
- 1/2 cup nuts (I used walnuts)
- 1/4 cup oats (old-fashioned, gluten-free, etc)
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (I use no sugar added but your preference or could sub for another nut butter)
- 1 tbsp chocolate collagen peptide powder
- 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
- optional roll “toppings” – sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes, chocolate chips, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Really these couldn’t be more simple as everything goes into the food processor or vitamix and you can portion and roll the balls to your size preference. I do not soak the dates as some recipes say, so it’s from pantry to homemade energy balls in less then 10 mins. Really I eyeball the consistency. You don’t want them too dry where they will not stick together. If this happens add more dates, more peanut butter, or if you want sweeter as a dessert replacement, add some honey and this will definitely help bind together. Makes about 10-11 bite sized balls.
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