DATES, 3 WAYS
Studies have shown that consuming dates everyday during the third trimester results in “more favorable labor and delivery outcomes.” That’s good enough of a reason for me. Plus, I adore dates and incorporate them into my dishes all the time. They're helpful for adding sweetness and stickiness to recipes, but alone, they’re just as impressive. Dates are nature’s little caramels. Here are the 3 most popular ways I’ve been getting them in during my third trimester. All are gluten-free, dairy-free and Whole30 compliant.

BREAKFAST
WHOLE30 DATE SHAKE
BLEND:
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup raw walnuts
2 scoops collagen peptides (I love Vital Proteins)
1 banana
2 dates
10 ice cubes

HAPPY HOUR
BACON WRAPPED DATES WITH ROSEMARY ALMONDS
PREHEAT oven to 425
HALVE bacon strips lengthwise
STUFF 1 almond inside each pitted date (you can use any kind but I love TJ’s rosemary marcona almonds for this)
WRAP dates with halved strips of bacon
PLACE on a baking sheet greased with avocado or olive oil
BAKE for 18 minutes, rotating halfway through

DESSERT
SALTED ALMOND BUTTER DATES
STUFF pitted dates with almond butter
SPRINKLE with flaky salt
If you're on the prenatal journey like me or just eating your sweets more mindfully, I hope these gems find their way into your kitchen. Dates have become such a staple in our food lifestyle. I promise, these recipes will not disappoint. Tag me on insta if you try them @kristenmariasrd.
Xo, Kristen