This on-the-go, anytime snack has been a favorite in our house for a while now, but I really enjoyed them in the early months post baby. I've recently updated them to make them even more perfect for nursing moms. They are easy, delicious, and nutrient dense. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients and their helpful effects:
Oats: I will write about oats a lot. They are one of the most nutritious foods, containing proteins, vitamins, and minerals perfect for new moms, but many women also find them really comforting and delicious, which can mean they are relaxing (a super good thing for new moms!). Oats support the metabolism of fats and nourish the nerves, and are a very well known galactagogue (a substance that promotes lactation). They are one of the easiest and most trusted ways to boost milk production.
Coconut: Because of wild fluctuations in blood sugar, new moms tend to crave sugary drinks and food, which in our American diets translates to soda and candy. Sugar in the form of processed food and beverages are not good for new moms (something I'll get into in a future post). Because of the tendency to need sugar, Indian and Chinese traditions believe that naturally sweet foods such as coconut are incredibly healthy and helpful for mothers. In addition to evening out blood sugar, coconuts healthy fats and fiber are great for a mom's milk and her digestion.
Brewer's Yeast: Contains essential nutrients often lacking in our diet, including chromium, B complex, and B12. These nutrients and other components of brewer's yeast may lead to increased energy and emotional balance as reported by many mothers. Brewer's yeast is also a booster of milk supply.
Almond Butter: Almonds are highly lactogenic and have been used for centuries in cultures around the world to support a healthy milk supply. Almond butter is also helpful in providing healthy fat, reducing sugar cravings and stabilizing blood sugar.
Chia Seeds: Don't be fooled by these tiny specks, chia seeds pack a powerful punch nutritionally. With healthy doses of fiber, protein, fat (hello omega 3s!), and calcium, they are good for anyone looking to add more nutrients to your diet. You can throw them in smoothies, on salads, or use as part of snacks like in this recipe.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed is an essential fatty acid (EFA). EFAs are made up of Omega 3 and Omega 6. Flaxseed contains both. Eating healthy portions of EFAs can not only increase the quantity of milk, but also the quality - leading to extra creaminess and calories that support brain development weight gain in baby, while promoting emotional stability in moms. It can also help with digestion - to get the full benefits make sure to soak your flaxseeds overnight or grind them (ideally shortly before use) so you can absorb all this goodness.
This recipe is easy, healthy, and the end product is so so so delicious. They could be eaten for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. I feel like they are pretty enough (and scrumptious enough) to serve at a party, but simple enough to have on hand throughout the week. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
RECIPE: Oatmeal Chocolate Raw + Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (Note: Always use whole oats for maximum effectiveness)
- 1 cup toasted coconut
- I used unsweetened and toast slowly and lightly. If you use sweetened, omit the agave and reduce the honey to 1/4 cup + 1tbsp water).
- 1/2 cup almond butter (Note: If you can find it, raw is healthier than roasted)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tbsp brewer's yeast
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 5 tbsp chocolate chips (Optional)
- 1 tbsp agave (Optional)
You can add in lots of substitutes (raisins or dried fruit for chocolate, peanut butter for almond, wheat germ for chia seeds) and play with the proportions based on what you've got in your cupboard. Just be sure to get the right mix of wet to dry so that they bind properly.
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, honey, wheat germ and flaxseed. Using a spatula, turn to combine. Place the mixed ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and pulse 5-8 times until the mixture comes together and the oats have been broken down slightly. I felt this was important, but if you like the whole, raw oats, then feel free to skip this step. Return mixture to the bowl, folding in the chocolate, agave, and vanilla with your spatula.
Roll into small balls as if you were baking cookies. Ingredients may need a little firm pressure to form the ball. Then smooth the dough by rolling the ball between your palms.
Place in a sealed container, separating any layers with parchment paper. Once all the dough has been combined, place in the fridge for about an hour or the freezer for about 10 minutes. You can eat these at room temperature or straight out of the fridge. If they last longer than a day (ours didn't!!) then be sure to keep them refrigerated in an airtight container and they will be good for 3-5 days.