Dates are seriously a gift from the gods. Packed full of nutrients like potassium, magnesium iron and fiber, dates are both nutritious and delicious.
While dates have been cultivated for thousands of years, this sweet fruit seems to be gaining popularity recently in mama circles for its use during the final weeks of pregnancy. Eating six dates per day from week 36 on is said to help ease labor and childbirth and some research suggests this to be true. Some studies show an increase in the likelihood of spontaneous labor (this is what we’re shooting for, rather than induction). Studies have also shown an increase in the rate of cervical dilation and a shortening of labor time (and some say labor discomfort too). While some people object to some of these studies, I figure, hey, it’s not gonna hurt to try! **As long as you don’t have gestational diabetes. See my points below for more on dates and blood sugar.
I first became acquainted with delicious dates (the fruit of the date palm tree) when I worked farmers markets and made a point to hang around the local date booth. I remember my friend, “the date guy,” explaining that dates have long been used as a traditional way to break fasting in middle eastern countries… when coming out of a fasting period, the first food some cultures choose to eat are dates. For some this is for religious purposes (such as with Ramadan), and also because dates are so packed full of nutrients and easy to digest sugars.
For this reason, I like to think of dates as my perfect little epic desert trek companion… although honestly the closest thing I do to “desert trekking” is hitting Burning Man… and you know I take dates with me every year!
While dates have a fabulously long shelf life (another great reason to hop on my date wagon!), when I did my New Year’s pantry makeover (see last blog post) I realized that I’ve been collecting a small hoard of dates and it’s probably high time that I start to throw some down the hatch.
Also, now that I’m done with pregnancy and therefore am no longer “supposed” to be eating dates daily, they suddenly seem appealing again (ha!).
So whether you’re pregnant, ending a fast is the desert, or just curious about some danky date recipes, here are three simple ways you can enjoy dates.
#1 The Classic
This method is as easy as it gets. Open your date with fingers, pulling it apart straight down the middle (longwise or “hot dog style” as we would have called it in kindergarten). Pull out the pit and replace with a big scoop of nut butter. Almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, whatever you have. The result is nature’s own Reese’s peanut butter cup and it’s totally delicious. This can really hit the spot if you have a quick sweet tooth, plus it includes some healthy fat and protein.
#2 Bacon Wrapped
Yup, this is fancy shit here! And something about the two flavors together just makes you smile. Remember, we’re always looking for highest quality possible when sourcing animal products. Look for organic, pastured pork, preferably from a local farm. To prepare, cut bacon slices in half and cook on medium high heat on stovetop for 5 minutes (without flipping). Meanwhile remove pits from dates and (if you want to) take the optional extra orgasmic step of stuffing them with blue cheese or goat cheese! Remove bacon from pan and wrap around dates, with the cooked side on the inside touching dates. Secure with toothpick. Transfer wraps back to pan and cook for another 10 minutes, flipping halfway through so bacon is cooked on all sides. Let drain on a paper towel and then devour! PS- these will be perfect for your next dinner party!… in like a year. Or whenever the hell we can have parties again.
#3 Snack Balls
This makes a great healthy snack to take on the go. To prepare, remove pits from one cup of dates. Add dates, one cup of walnuts, and one tablespoon chia seeds to food processor or blender and pulse for about one minute to create a paste. Scoop mixture and use spoon or hands to shape into balls. Solidify by placing in the fridge. Store extra in an airtight container in the fridge or in a freezer bag for longer term food prep!
A note about eating dates during pregnancy
While there are studies to suggest benefits of eating dates in the final weeks leading up to childbirth, it should also be noted that dates are extremely high in sugar and can spike blood sugar. Whether you have gestational diabetes or not, this is something we want to avoid as much as possible. Here are a couple tricks to help lessen your blood sugar spike:
-Spread out your date consumption throughout the day (instead of eating six dates in one sitting, eat 1-2 at a time).
-Eat your dates immediately after a meal that is high in fat and protein. This is the most important tip!
-Take a short walk immediately after eating your dates. Your muscles will use up some of that extra glucose!
-Listen to your body. If you’re excited about this concept, try it out! If your body is not into it, don’t force yourself.
How do you like to eat dates?
Got any personal tips for getting those six dates a day in during pregnancy?
Share below!
Pssst, you might want this!…
FREE Healthy Pregnancy Daily Checklist
I’ve created a checklist guide to help keep you on track with self-care during your pregnancy!