Chocolate Peanut Butter Lactation Energy Bites

I saw a recipe for Chocolate Energy Bites, and I thought they were perfect for me. Recently we welcomed our second child, Eleanor Jayne, into our family. Being a new parent brings such great joy!…and also such tiredness. 🙂 So when I saw this recipe, I wasn’t sure which I needed more – chocolate or energy. Oh, who am I kidding, when you need one, don’t you pretty much need the other?

The protein and fiber in these delicious little chocolate treats give your body sustained energy, rather than the sugar crash that would result from an energy drink or soda. (Did you know that Chia seeds have a whopping 10 grams of fiber in only 2 tablespoons? That is one-third of the daily recommended intake of fiber per day!) These are sweetened naturally with honey, no added sugar. And can we just talk for a minute about the fact that they contain peanut butter along with the chocolate? Hello!? It’s the perfect little (healthy) treat!

Not only am I always on the lookout for a sweet treat I don’t have to feel guilty about (and bonus if it’s chocolate and peanut butter!), as a breastfeeding mom I am especially fond of recipes that are beneficial for lactation. Now, just like I always say on my “lactation” recipes, if you are not lactating, this will NOT make you lactate. So, really anyone can eat and enjoy these – men, women, children, anyone. The trio of oats, flax, and chia seeds in this recipe are a great source of protein, fiber, and omega-3s, which are good for anyone, but especially breastfeeding moms. And if you do want the lactation benefit, you can even add some brewer’s yeast to really pump up the mams. 🙂 So for me, these really couldn’t be any more perfect!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lactation Energy Bites

Adapted from Gimmie Some Oven

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (regular, dark, or a combination)
• 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon brewer’s yeast (optional, for lactation)

(To toast the coconut, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Spread coconut out in an even layer and bake for about 8-10 minutes, until coconut is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool.)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes the mix easier to form into balls.

Using a teaspoon, melon baller, or other small scoop, form the mix into balls about 1 inch in diameter. I used a small ice cream-type scoop, and it made it really easy.

Makes about 20-24 balls, depending on the size.

Store in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!