How to Make No-Bake Energy Bites

At Choose Joy Nursing, we understand how challenging it can be to find quick, nutritious snacks during pregnancy and the postpartum period, especially for breastfeeding moms who need extra nourishment. That’s why we’re thrilled to share our favorite no-bake energy bites recipe—perfect for busy moms-to-be and new moms alike. These bites are not only packed with wholesome ingredients that help maintain energy levels, but also contain key nutrients beneficial for both pregnancy and lactation.

With no oven time required, these energy bites are incredibly simple to make. Whether you need a quick snack between prenatal appointments or a little something to boost your energy during late-night feedings, these energy bites are sure to become a go-to in your snack rotation. Let’s get started and dive into how you can whip up these nutritious, delicious treats!

Make-Ahead Recipe

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry oats (old fashioned preferred)

• ¼ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, pistachio, etc)

• ¼ cup honey

Optional Ingredients:

• Chocolate Chips (milk or dark chocolate)

• White Chocolate Chips 

• Fruit (banana, dates, diced apples) 

• Nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc)

• Dried Fruit (raisins, cranberries, strawberries, etc)

• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc)

• Protein Powder (vanilla, choc, etc)

• Cocoa Powder

• Vanilla 

• Coconut Flakes 

• Brewer’s Yeast

Directions:

• Combine all primary and optional ingredients into a bowl and mix (avoid using a blender or mixer as not to completely break down the ingredients) 

• Take out a spoonful of the mix and roll between the palm of your hands, forming about a 1 inch ball. (If mix is too warm, you can place in fridge for about 30 minutes for a better consistency)

• Place in a tupperware container for the fridge (good for up to one week)

• Eat immediately or chilled

BENEFITS

These no-bake energy bites are not only delicious but also packed with a variety of ingredients that offer substantial health benefits, especially for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding moms:

• Dry Oats: Oats are a great source of fiber, which can help maintain digestive health and prevent constipation, a common issue in pregnancy. They are also rich in iron, which is crucial for preventing anemia, particularly important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

• Nut Butter: Nut butters are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, essential for tissue development in babies and energy maintenance for moms. They also provide magnesium, which can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce pregnancy-related hypertension.

• Honey: While providing a natural sweetness, honey also offers antioxidants. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

• Chocolate Chips: Chocolate can uplift mood (thanks to serotonin stimulation) and provides antioxidants. Opting for dark chocolate can offer the most benefits with less sugar.

• Fruit and Dried Fruit: Fruits and dried fruits increase the vitamin and mineral content of these bites, offering vitamins like A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health. Dried fruits, like dates or apricots, also provide iron and potassium.

• Nuts: Rich in essential fatty acids, nuts help with the development of the baby’s brain and reduce inflammation in the body. They also supply a good amount of protein.

• Spices: Spices such as cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, and ginger can aid in digestion and reduce nausea, a common symptom in pregnancy.

• Protein Powder: A good boost for protein, which is critical for the growth of fetal tissue during pregnancy and helps repair cells and produce breast milk during the postpartum period.

• Cocoa Powder: Contains flavonoids that are beneficial for heart health and can improve cholesterol levels. It’s also a comforting mood enhancer.

• Vanilla: Adds flavor without sugar, and its calming scent can help decrease stress and anxiety levels.

• Coconut Flakes: Provide healthy fats, which are important for hormone production and can help stabilize energy levels.

• Brewer's Yeast: Often recommended for breastfeeding mothers, brewer's yeast is a powerhouse of B-vitamins, selenium, and chromium, which can help boost energy, aid in sugar metabolism, and potentially enhance milk supply.

Together, these ingredients create a snack that not only satisfies sweet cravings, but also supports the nutritional needs of moms throughout pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding!

For more tips, explore our other blogs or follow us on Instagram at @choosejoynursing.