I have loved energy balls for years now as a quick and easy snack that is also great for on the go! You can see my original energy ball recipe here. Today's recipe is the same base, but with a few added extras that are helpful for your fertility and pregnancy needs. I made about 4 batches of these before Iris was born and it was the perfect breastfeeding snack!
You can enjoy these whether you're pregnant, are preparing your body to become pregnant, or just want a deliciously easy protein ball. If you want more of a creamy and sweeter peanut butter taste than crunchy energy ball, halve the oats. If you want to make them vegan, sub agave for the honey. Also, feel free to make your own peanut butter or use any nut/butter you wish...all of the ingredients other than the peanut butter and honey are completely optional and customizable. Go nuts! I know, I've already perfected my Mom Jokes...
In case anyone wants to know the science behind any of it, like I always do, here's the reasons I've added the ingredients I did...
Honey ≫≫ Can help stimulate the ovaries.
Orange Juice ≫≫ Vitamin C is great for men and women's fertility and Folic Acid is key for pregnancy! It also helps with the absorption of iron.
Dates ≫≫ Contain key pregnancy vitamins and can aid labor (google it!)...mine was super fast and wonderful.
Prunes ≫≫ Rich in iron.
Chia Seeds ≫≫ A complete source of protein and high in calcium, fiber, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. All great for you and your developing baby's brain.
Ground Flaxseed ≫≫ High in both Omega 3 and 6, regulate hormones and aid fertility.
Cinnamon ≫≫ Can help with ovarian function. This is especially helpful for women with PCOS.
Oats ≫≫ A valuable source of potassium and iron in a pregnancy and breastfeeding diet.
Maca ≫≫ Supports hormonal balance and increases energy.
1 Cup Peanut Butter
1/2 C Raw Local Honey
2 Tbsp Orange Juice
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Cup Oats
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
8 Dates (if pregnant) or Prunes (if ttc)
2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Tbsp Ground Flaxseed (double if pregnant)
1 Tbsp Maca Powder (leave out if pregnant)
Directions ≫≫
If using dates or prunes chop them into small pieces. Throw everything into a mixing bowl or Kitchenaid and mix until thoroughly combined.
Refrigerate for at least an hour. You can skip this step if you don’t have time or are extra hungry, but it will make the next step extra messy.
Scoop a heaping tablespoon worth of the mixture and roll into a ball. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Enjoy!
I hope you all enjoy the recipe, let me know if you try it, I'd love to see your photos and to know if you loved it as much as we did! You can find other recipes here.
♡ MALLORIE