Nutritious energy balls

After giving birth, your body needs tons of energy, especially if you're breastfeeding. These little power balls are just what you need. Made with ingredients picked for their milk-boosting properties, they make a tasty, quick snack packed with nutrients. In just a few minutes, you'll have these energy bombs ready to help you tackle your busy days.

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Nourishing treasures

Brewer's yeast packs an amazing amount of B vitamins and key minerals, plus it contains plant estrogens that can benefit breast tissue and possibly boost milk production.

Ground flaxseeds add important fiber and omega-3s, with plant compounds that might naturally help milk flow.

Oats give you slow-release fiber and iron, two things you absolutely need to keep your energy up all day.

Almonds offer loads of calcium, magnesium and vitamin E, supporting your overall health while possibly helping milk production.

We picked these ingredients not just for their nutritional value but also for how they might affect lactation. However, no scientific studies have definitely proven they work. If you're worried about your breastfeeding, talk to a healthcare provider.

Magical preparation

Mix the dry stuff

First, put oats, brewer's yeast, ground flaxseeds and any other seeds you want in a big bowl. Stir everything well so all these good-for-you ingredients blend together to create the base of your energy balls.

Add the sticky stuff

Put in the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) to your dry mix. These ingredients will hold everything together. Start mixing with a spoon, then use your hands to get a sticky, even dough.

Shape your balls

Take small amounts of dough and roll them between your slightly wet palms to make balls about 3 cm across. Using slightly damp hands makes this job much easier and stops the dough from sticking too much.

I noticed my milk supply went up after I started eating these energy balls daily. For me, brewer's yeast was the game-changer, though it does have a funny taste you'll need to get used to.

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Who'll enjoy this treat

These energy balls aren't just for breastfeeding moms. They're great for all new mothers, whether you're nursing or not. Having a baby takes a lot out of you, and these little bites help put that energy back. I've found that everyone in my house loves these healthy snacks. My husband takes them to work, and my three-year-old always wants them for her snack time.

Tasty serving ideas

You can munch on these little wonders anytime you need an energy boost. They're especially good during middle-of-the-night feedings or when you don't have time to make a full meal. Try them with a cup of lactation tea for extra milk-making power. For a bigger snack, have one or two balls with some fresh fruit and plain yogurt.

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Make it your own

The best thing about this recipe is how flexible it is. If you're missing some ingredients, there are lots of swaps you can make. Nutritional yeast works instead of brewer's yeast and still gives you important nutrients. You can switch up the nut butters based on what you like—try cashew butter or peanut butter for different flavors. If you want to skip honey, use blended dates for sweetness and stickiness. Super-foods like chia or hemp seeds are optional and can be swapped for any seeds you prefer.

Best storage methods

These energy balls stay good in the fridge for two weeks if you keep them in an airtight container. If you want to make a bigger batch, they freeze really well and last up to three months in the freezer. I suggest wrapping each one in plastic wrap before putting them in a freezer bag. That way, you can thaw just one at a time as needed. Just take them out about 30 minutes before you want to eat them so they can soften up.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do these energy balls stay fresh?

They'll last up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer if kept in an airtight container.

→ Can I swap almond butter for something else?

Sure, try using cashew butter or peanut butter if you’d like a different flavor.

→ Are these only for breastfeeding moms?

Not at all. Any tired mom—or anyone, really—can enjoy these energy-packed snacks.

→ Is brewer's yeast optional?

You can use nutritional yeast instead if you prefer. It’s a great substitute with added benefits.

→ Do I need to bake these energy balls?

Nope! Just mix the ingredients, roll into balls, and pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes.