Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense food, rich in essential nutrients that are particularly beneficial for prenatal and postnatal women. It is an excellent source of protein, which is crucial for the growth and repair of tissues, especially during pregnancy and postnatal recovery.
The healthy fats in peanut butter, mainly monounsaturated fats, promote heart health and aid in developing the baby's brain and nervous system. Additionally, the fiber content in peanut butter supports digestive health, helping to prevent constipation, a common issue during pregnancy.
Nutrient Density
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
- Folate: Crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
- Magnesium: Helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels and supports overall muscle and nerve function.
- Potassium: Balances fluids, support heart health, and helps with muscle contractions.
- Iron: Supports the increased blood volume during pregnancy and helps prevent anemia.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): Important for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy skin.
- Phosphorus: Contributes to the formation of bones and teeth and supports the functioning of the kidneys, muscles, and nerves.
Considerations:
- Portion Control: Peanut butter is calorie-dense, so it's important to consume in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake.
- Allergy Awareness: Ensure there are no allergies to peanuts before including peanut butter in your diet.
- Natural Options: Choose natural peanut butter without added sugars or hydrogenated fats for maximum health benefits.
No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
We've partnered with Mareya Ibrahim, author of Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish on Eating to Thrive, who is sharing a handful of fan-fave recipes from her book with us. This week, we're sharing her No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe - these babes are on constant refill in our cookie jar!
Makes 12 cookies (12 servings)
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup canned unsweetened full fat coconut milk
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter, for a nut-free option), at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons raw coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons granulated stevia or monkfruit sweetener
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup no-sugar-added dark chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, ½ cup of the peanut butter, and ½ cup water until smooth. Add the coconut oil, stevia, vanilla, and salt and mix until smooth.
- Using a spatula, fold in the oats, making sure all the oats are well soaked. Let sit for about 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes firm. Fold in the chocolate chips and mix them with a spatula to distribute evenly.
- Using an ice cream scoop, portion cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and press down lightly to flatten them.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining two tablespoons peanut butter and ½ teaspoon water. Drizzle the peanut butter over the tops of the cookies and let sit at room temperature, about 15 minutes.
These make a great meal prep snack. You can store wrapped in parchment paper to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Find more recipes like these in Mareya's book, Eat Like You Give a Form: The Real Dish on Eating to Thrive.