Have you heard of eating dates as a natural induction method?
Turns out several studies have found that eating 4-6 dates a day in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy may increase cervical ripening, reduce the need for induction and may decrease labor length.
A tasty and sweet way to try and help your little one into world.
Sweet they are, at 16 grams of sugar in one little date so take care and avoid if you have gestational diabetes. Try to use dates as your substitute for other sweets to keep your sugar levels in check.
Not sure 4-6 dates a day is doable? Try some of my favorite recipes below and let me know how they turn out.
My favorite date recipes
Healthy Date Shake
2 cups milk (dairy, nut or other)
3 dates, pitted
2 large bananas, cut into chunks
2 teaspoons nut butter (optional)
10 cacao nibs or scoop of carob powder:
Blend all of the ingredients in a blender until the mixture is smooth-enjoy.
Coconut Date Bites
1/2 cup cashews
1 cup dates pits removed
1/2 cup shredded coconut divided into 1/4 cups
1 TBSP coconut oil
1 TBSP water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Place nuts in a food processor for about 10 seconds, then add all other ingredients. Process for about a minute until mixture comes together. Scoop out about 1 TBSP and form a ball and roll in remaining 1/4 cup coconut. Eat immediately or place in container in fridge.
Baked dates with cheese and/or bacon
Preheat oven to 375
Layer a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slit open dates, remove pits and place on baking sheet.
Sprinkle each date with small pinch of salt and stuff with 1 tsp goat cheese (or I have used cream cheese because its usually on hand at our house) and sprinkle with a little salt on top.
AND/Or wrap with 1/2 slice bacon and secure with a toothpick (omit salt if using bacon).
Bake 10-12 until dates are fragrant and tender. If using bacon, turn on other side and bake 5-8 minutes longer.