Healthy Breastfeeding Energy Muffins

Whenever I feel like I need a boost in my breastmilk supply, or even just an easy snack that I know will keep me energized and still feel like a treat I make these Healthy Breastfeeding Energy Muffins. They are simple to make and if you do mini muffins like me, it makes a big batch that are a great snack while you're "stuck" feeding the baby. Make sure you drink a ton of water as well, which will also help your supply and energy levels too!

---

Ingredients ≫≫
1/2 cup extra virgin olive OR coconut oil 
1/2 cup organic cane OR coconut sugar
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal 
3 tablespoons of water
1/4 cup applesauce OR 1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract  
1 cup whole wheat flour OR oat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
1-2 tablespoons of brewers yeast (leave out if not breastfeeding) 
1 & 1/2 cups oats – organic, steel cut oats are best for you, but rolled oats are fine  
1/4 cup chocolate chips 
Heaping tablespoon peanut butter  
1-2 tablespoon chia seeds
A pinch of Himalayan salt

Directions ≫≫

Preheat oven to 335 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed and water, let them sit for a few minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the oil and sugar well. Add the applesauce and vanilla. Mix well.

Add the flaxseed and water mixture.

Add the dry ingredients (apart from the oats and your additional ingredients) and mix well again.

Finally, stir in the oats and your additional ingredients.  Bake for 10-12 minutes (longer if using a regular muffin tin, time is for mini muffins).

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 them as much as I do! Especially if they helped your milk supply, please share! You can find more recipes here.

♡ MALLORIE

Fertility, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding Energy Balls

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.

---

Ingredients ≫≫
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