If you are breastfeeding, you have probably heard of fenugreek and brewer’s yeast; one of which makes you smell like maple syrup and the other makes everything it’s in taste like beer (ick!). But, you have also probably heard that breastfeeding mothers should try to eat oatmeal each and every day. This I could definitely do. There are so many ways you can eat oatmeal, besides just a bowl of it with fruit in the morning. For the first year of breastfeeding, and beyond, I ate oatmeal at least once day. And now, two years in, I continue to eat it regularly still. I know that not everyone loves oatmeal (that used to be me), so I thought I would share two of favorite oatmeal recipes.
I was told early on that I needed to be eating oatmeal that was not instant oatmeal, but that was the regular old fashioned rolled oats. As you know, these can take awhile to cook on the stovetop. This oatmeal recipe below became one of my favorites because it takes 2 minutes to throw together and it is ready when you wake up in the morning! It is also very easy to make diary free, which is how I make it!
You have probably heard that Breastfeeding mothers should try to eat oatmeal every day…
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/3 milk of choice (I use coconut milk)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 large dollop yogurt of choice (I use coconut milk greek yogurt)
Place all ingredients in a mason jar. Seal lid and shake until well mixed. Place in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight. Take out, stir in some of your favorite mix-ins and enjoy!
Source: Sprouts
My favorite mix-ins are a little strawberry jelly or peanut butter with a dollop of pure maple syrup. What’s great about this recipe (besides being super easy), is that when you’re little one is ready to start eating, they will love it too! And the sky is really the limit with the mix-ins! You can try almonds with raw honey, apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, bananas and walnuts, and anything else you can think of!
One of the things I have struggled with most while breastfeeding is keeping up with my own nutrition. I never seem to be able to eat enough. This recipe is a quick and easy one (no cooking or baking required) that provides some yummy and much-needed protein to your diet…plus quite a few other nutritional powerhouses. Plus, they really help satisfy my sweet tooth in a healthier way!
1 cup dry, old fashioned oats
2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (any nut/seed butter would work)
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
2/3 cup chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life brand mini chocolate chips which are diary free)
1/3 raw honey
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine all ingredients and mix until well incorporated. (I threw all of them into a stand mixer.) Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Remove and roll into balls. Wet your hands to help with the stickiness. Can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container or in the fridge. (I personally love them straight out of the fridge!)
Source: Chew Out Loud, adapted from givemesomeoven
**Just a side note, I am also gluten free, so to make these two recipes gluten free, just make sure you get gluten free rolled oats…it’s that easy!**
I hope you like these recipes and they make their way into your oatmeal regimen! :). Have you ever tried crock-pot oats? If not, that’s another one of our favorites to look up and try! 😉
What are some of your favorite oatmeal recipes? Have you found creative ways to get more oatmeal into your diet while breastfeeding? Comment below!
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And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld
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I am a single mom to the most amazing little boy in the entire world. He is the light of my life! We also have the two sweetest doggies who complete our little family. I am a high school teacher and a photographer, and am very passionate about breastfeeding, babywearing, attachment parenting, and raising my son in the most natural way possible!
