If you’re lactating and trying to increase your milk production…keep reading.
If you don’t have boobs or a baby but like quick and healthy snacks…also feel free to read away.
Not to sound bitter, buuuuuut I just spent almost 10 months of pregnancy drinking teas that didn’t taste good and avoiding some of my favorite foods because the infamous “they” said it was the right thing to do. So now that I’m postpartum, I want to actually enjoy what I’m eating, but still get all the benefits that my body needs in this stage, ya know? A “have my cake and eat it too” situation, if you will.
Enterrrrrr…these lactation balls.
Honestly, they should just be called extremely-tasty-and-surprisingly-not-too-bad-for-you balls, because while they do have ingredients that support lactation (specifically the oats and brewer’s yeast), these same ingredients are high in protein and fiber, which really anyone can benefit from.
I try to eat an overall paleo diet because of my endometriosis, and this recipe is all paleo except for the oats and oat flour. It’s suggested that the iron in oats helps with lactation, so they get a pass for their milk-making qualities. And while we’re on the topic, my other favorite (and paleo) ways to get iron in my diet these days is eating dark leafy greens, red meat, cashews, and cooking as many meals as possible in a cast iron skillet.
Ok, ok…enough chit chat. Here’s the recipe-
Ingredients
- ½ cup flaxseed meal
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ⅔ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 ⅓ cup oat flour
- 1 ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brewer’s yeast
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup cocoa nibs
- ⅔ cup shredded coconut
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Mix flaxseed meal with water, let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add coconut sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla to the flaxseed meal mixture. Wisk together until combined.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until fully combined.
- Using a spoon or scooper, form 24 balls and place on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. These do not spread out when they bake, so there’s no need to leave a lot of room between each ball.
- Bake 15-20 minutes.
- Enjoy at least one if not three hot out of the oven. Honestly…I have to race to get to them before Bob does.
And there ya have it!
If you don’t already have these ingredients in your pantry, be sure to add them to your grocery list pronto (I’ve linked some that may be harder to find at your average grocery store). And remember, even if you’re not lactating, these can be enjoyed by anyone looking to get their daily dose of fiber and protein in an easy little snack.
Pro tip- both my husband and I pack a few in a baggie when we’re heading out the house to avoid stopping for something not so healthy when our my hangry moments strike.
If you like this recipe, let me know! You can find me on instagram at @make.manifest, and I’d love for you to tag me when these bad boys are coming out of the oven. If you’re more of a Pinterest person, I’ve made it super easy to add these to that “healthy eats” board you’ve already got goin’. Just click the image above and pin away!
Enjoy!
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
