Dates ~ Nature's Caramel Candy

Most of us crave sweets more often than we’d like to admit. And while taming that craving is often wise, the comfort and pleasure of tasting something sweet is deep seated in us. It stems back to our lives as hunter gatherers (finding a rare ripe fruit or a some energy-dense fat may have meant survival) and to our first experience of nourishment. Breast milk as most of you know is sweet by nature’s design. 

As a wellness provider however, I’m constantly thinking of how we can meet such cravings in a way that brings more life force into our system without overloading our bodies with toxicity and inflammation.

Enter in nature’s caramel candy: dates 🍬 

Dates are packed with 15 essential minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc, along with antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid—all known to support heart, brain, and immune health. And while they are a high carbohydrate food, they also contains fiber unlike most sugars. 

For those who are pregnant, consuming dates in late pregnancy may help strengthen uterine muscles and support spontaneous labor. In a few recent studies there has been a strong correlation to the reduced need for induction and to shorter labor times in women who consumed 7 dates a day in late pregnancy. 

For all of you not pregnant, that’s a lot of dates. I personally eat at most 2 per day as they are high in fructose. And I always combine them with some protein to keep blood sugar balanced. 

One of my favorite quick treats, is a date stuffed with a nut butter and a touch of salt. My favorite topping of late is homemade macadamia nut butter 😋 

For my postpartum clients, I often stuff them with ricotta mixed with cardamom, cinnamon and lemon zest and top with pinenuts or hemp seeds. They made a great high-energy, one-handed snack while feeding a baby!

Love food and all things birth? Train with me to become a postpartum chef!  Link in profile with about my upcoming training NOURISH. 

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