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