So at four weeks pregnant, you may not be feeling all of those fun nausea inducing food aversions just yet. But if you are.. I am so sorry to hear that! However, by about 6 weeks I was in full-blown morning sickness mode. So, I was not really feeling like eating much but I knew my body needed something a bit more substantial to hold me over throughout the day. I found that if I did not eat something small every hour I would be sick, which can be difficult, especially depending on the type of work you do because this often means finding quick and convenient food. Generally speaking, convenient food tends to be on the unhealthy side, unless you have prepped for it. Whenever I was feeling up to it or had some extra energy (very rare), I tried to prep as much healthy, convenient food, as possible. Lets just say, energy in the first trimester is hard to come by, at least for me. So when I did make these healthy snacks, they were simple, fool proof, and perfect for the freezer, so that they would last. I’d make them in a big batch and not have to worry about running out right away. Alternatively, simply share this recipe with your husband or friends and ask for an early push present 🙂
I make a lot of variations of this recipe but this is one to keep on hand for simple (immediate) energy balls. This recipe is also great to make and freeze for right before you give birth. I basically lived off energy balls for a while when we got home from the hospital because I felt like I was starving when my milk was regulating and these were actually very filling and super convenient to eat during the night. Frozen healthy treats are a mustttt! Keep that in mind for when you visit a friend post-natal, as well. High in good fats, filling and you can add protein aka win, win, win! Oh, and in general, kids think these are dessert. I plan to trick my kid on the regular.
Disclaimer: these are not just for pregnant people, they are great for everyone… so pregnant mommas, be sure to hide them from everybody!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Total Time out of your life: 20 mins
Need: Food Processor*
Makes: 10 Energy Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup of Almonds (can sub with walnuts)
1 cup of Dates
2 tbsp Cacao
1 tbsp Coconut oil**
1 tbsp Chia Seeds
1 tbsp Almond butter
2 Tbsp Peanut Butter (Or more…)
Pinch of sea salt
2 tbsp Maple syrup (for added sweetness)
1 tbsp Mini dark chocolate chips (because.. more chocolate is best)
Optional: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides ***
Instructions:
Toss the almonds in the food processor and process for a minute to ground them a bit prior to adding in the rest of the ingredients. Then add the dates and process. You can add the rest of the ingredients (except Peanut butter & chocolate chips) and process. Stir in the Peanut Butter & chocolate chips.
Using a TBSP ice cream scoop (or a spoon if you don’t feel like being all fancy), scoop out TBSP size balls and roll them in your hands. Place in an airtight container and pop in the freezer!
*Be careful how long you process because they can become super oily from the nuts. **You may not need to add coconut oil if you feel they are moist enough ☺
