Did you know dates can be beneficial for labour?
A study found that when dates were consumed starting at 36 weeks there was higher chances to go into labour spontaneously, shorter first stage of labour and higher rate of intact membranes.
Another study found that eating dates from 37 weeks led to greater success of cervical dilation upon admission and higher success rates of labour induction when needed!
If you've been advised to monitor your sugar levels or have gestational diabetes always refer to your healthcare provider.
Don't like dates on their own?
Try them in a smoothie or add them into an energy ball like the recipe below!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Serves 18 balls
These no-bake energy balls are one of our favorite healthy snacks! Make with dairy-free chocolate chips and certified gluten-free oat flour, they're both vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups oat flour
1 cup walnuts
1/3 cup well-stirred creamy natural almond butter*
10 soft Medjool dates**
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
In a food processor, place the oat flour, walnuts, almond butter, dates, vanilla, water, and salt. Pulse until the mixture sticks together when pinched. If it’s too crumbly, pulse in more water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the chocolate chips. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop and roll into balls.
Store extra energy balls in the fridge. They also freeze well. To thaw, leave them at room temperature until soft.
Notes
**Look for creamy almond butter with a smooth consistency to make this recipe, not the dry, stiff stuff that you might find at the bottom of a jar.
*If your dates are hard, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes.
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