Healthy Snack Recipes for New Moms by Alyssa Bauman, Nourished.ca
I know right now you are in total survival mode. Between feeding baby, changing baby, rocking baby, and waking up with baby throughout the night, it can be hard to even imagine life on the other side. But I promise, this too will pass and you will adapt to your new normal.
Until then, now, more than ever, it is super important to make sure that you are fuelling and nourishing your body with the best nutrient-dense foods so you can give baby the best you have to give. To help you eat healthy, we have compiled a couple quick, superfood snacks that are loaded with fibre, protein, healthy fats and all the goodness you need to keep you going.
These snacks are easy to make in batches and freeze, so healthy will always be on hand for you (and your baby). You can find more healthy snack ideas at nourished.ca.
ENERGY DENSE HEALTHY SNACK: SUPERFOOD BITES
Filled with nutrient-dense seeds—chia, hemp, flax—as well as antioxidants—dried organic cranberries and dark chocolate in the same bite (yes please), these high fibre, high protein, gluten-free power snacks are a delicious way to keep your energy levels even.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1/3 cup mix of honey and water
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1 tbsp Hemp seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (dry)
- 1 cup shelled pistachio nuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries (organic please)
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- Sprinkling of cinnamon
- Shredded coconut (optional)
Combine pitted dates, honey, salt, chia, hemp and flax seeds in a food processor and pulse until smooth and combined. You should be able to stir the mixture—if it is too thick, add a little water. Add pistachio and blend a couple more seconds.
Related: 5 Ways To Eat Healthier Based On The New Canada Food Guide
Transfer to large bowl, stir in the oats, cinnamon, vanilla, dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Once the mixture is cool take a small amount and roll into balls—1 inch in diameter. If you like coconut, roll balls in shredded coconut.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze.
HEALTHY SNACK FOR SWEET CRAVINGS: BANANA SUSHI
Snacks don’t get any easier to make or healthier to eat—packed with Omega 3s, protein, calcium, fibre, folate, and Vitamin E, or any yummier—sweet, creamy, rich, decadent, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 organic banana
- 1 – 2 tbsp your fav organic nut butter
- 2 tbsp organic hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp ground chia seeds
Peel banana, coat top half with your favourite nut butter. In small bowl, mix ground chia and hemp seeds. Sprinkle over banana. Slice, devour or freeze (they are not as messy when frozen).
THE BLENDED PICK ME UP: BLUEBERRY ENERGY SMOOTHIE
This is the ultimate energy kickstarter, skin supplement and fuel for your body. Loaded with antioxidants, protein, Omega 3s, and good fats, this smoothie also packs in your greens and is a killer way to start your day. No sugar, no caffeine, and no dairy!
- 2 cups frozen or fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup dried, shredded coconut (unsweetened, and sulphite-free please)
- 1 tsp coconut oil, organic, unrefined
- 1 cup almond milk or hemp seed milk or a mix of both
- 1 1/2 cups coconut water or plain water
- 2 pitted dates
- 2 tbsp chia seed
- 1 tbsp hemp seed
- 1 handful spinach (or any other greens)
- 1-2 dashes of cinnamon
Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender, and enjoy!
For more healthy snack recipes, visit nourished.ca.
For more tips and resources for new parents, check out our 20th Annual Baby Guide! Available in the September|October issue of WestCoast Families magazine. Pick up a copy at a location near you, or read the full issue online here.
