How to eat 6 dates a day? Let me guess, you are entering the third trimester of pregnancy and want to do everything possible to make labor as easy and safe as possible. Plus, you’ve heard that dates can help reduce pain, improve outcomes and help labor start on its own. So of course you want to follow this trend.
But, you may have found that actually eating 6 dates a day can be a bit difficult. Maybe you love dates, but eating 6… every day… it can get a bit repetitive and boring. On the other hand, you may find dates, too sweet. They can be a bit mushy. Or its possible that they mess with your blood sugar levels and you just don’t like them.
So how do you eat 6 dates a day during your third trimester? In this article, we will show you a ton of delicious recipes to make eating those nutrient dense little fruits is a little bit easier.
Can Dates Induce Labor?
There seems to be a bit of confusion about if dates and other natural induction techniques like exercise, moving on a birth ball, or expressing colostrum will actually induce (start) labor. You have nothing to worry about, these are not technically induction techniques. But, they do help your body get ready for birth and have other benefits as well!
Labor begins when both your body and baby are ready. It actually starts when your baby’s lungs release a hormone.
Essentially, your baby begins the process of labor while induction methods like these are prepping your body for labor. Once the baby’s body signals it is ready, the mother’s hormones really start to flow.
Using the term induction when talking about dates, exercise, sex and nipple stimulation to induce labor, is a common mistake being used everywhere right now.
Labor won’t start until your body AND baby are ready. You may not have too much control over when your baby is ready, but you can help your body get ready.
How Do Dates Help Your Body Get Ready For The Process Of Birth?
Dates are very nutritionally dense. About 6 dates will have
- Calories: 277
- Carbs: 75 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Potassium: 15% DV
- Magnesium: 13% DV
- Copper: 40% DV
- Manganese: 13% DV
- Iron: 5% DV
- Vitamin B6: 15% DV
Plus they have tons of antioxidants. Potassium and Magnesium are minerals that many pregnant women are deficient in – and that can contribute to better sleep.
All these nutrients help the cervix prepare for labor. That’s why studies in Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive Health and the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that moms who eat 6 dates a day the last 4 weeks of pregnancy enjoyed many benefits.
Moms who ate their daily dates were less likely to need an induction and less likely to have their water break before labor started. Moms who ate dates were also more dilated than moms who didn’t eat dates when they arrived at the hospital.
These are all great things that indicate that labor is going well! So it is no surprise that the next benefit they found was a lower c-section rate and fewer other interventions.
Eating 6 dates a day during pregnancy is a simple way to prepare your body for birth that can have real benefits in the long run. Seeing that most moms don’t get adequate nutrition from their diet, these hearty and healthy meals will have many benefits!
When To Start Eating Dates In Your Pregnancy?
If you are eating dates for the purpose of helping your body prepare for labor, you will want to begin eating your 4-6 dates a day at 36 weeks.
However, if you have diabetes, make sure to pay close attention to how dates are affecting your blood sugar levels. We have plenty of savory recipes in here that pair the sugary date with stabilizing protein and fat. But, blood sugar level is much more important than eating dates if you have to choose between the two.
If you are unsure, please work with your doctor or a dietician. They can help you monitor what YOU specifically need.
How To Eat 6 Dates A Day: Savory Recipes
6 dates a day may seem like a lot. Especially if you are doing it every day for a month. That is why we want to give you ideas for simple satisfying meals that incorporate these sweet treats. You may find that there are MANY MANY more ways to eat dates than you ever imagined before.
Date And Prosciutto Cheese Pizza
Date and prosciutto cheese pizza is a delicious and unique twist on the classic Italian dish. The sweet and chewy dates add a surprising burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty and savory prosciutto. The cheese, typically a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, provides a creamy and tangy base that complements the other ingredients.
The crust is thin and crispy, allowing the toppings to shine without overwhelming the palate. This pizza is a great option for those who want to try something new and exciting, and it makes for a great appetizer or main course.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey.
Goat cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates with rosemary honey is a delectable appetizer that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Sticky, caramelized dates are stuffed with tangy goat cheese. This adds a creamy and rich texture.
The bacon adds a salty and smoky flavor to the dish, and its crispiness provides a nice contrast to the softness of the dates and cheese. The rosemary honey drizzled on top adds a fragrant and herbaceous touch that ties all the flavors together. This dish is easy to make and is always a hit at dinner parties, making it a great option for entertaining guests.
Spiced Carrots And Dates
Spiced carrots and dates is a mouth-watering dish that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the chewy sweetness of dates.
The dish is spiced with warm and aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. If you love dishes with a depth of flavor, you will love this dish! Roasted carrots are naturally sweet and carmelized to the edges.
This is the perfect pair for the soft and gooey texture of the dates. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a pop of freshness to the warm and spiced flavors. This dish is a great option for a side dish or a vegetarian main course. Plus, it’s easy to make!
Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Dates And Walnuts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with dates and walnuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the nuttiness of roasted Brussels sprouts with the chewy sweetness of dates and the crunchiness of walnuts.
Garlic, lemon juice, and honey add a bright and tangy flavor to the dish. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until tender and caramelized. This highlights their natural sweetness and nuttiness. The dates add a chewy and caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crunchiness of the walnuts.
This dish is a great option for a side dish or a vegetarian main course, and it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes.
Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower With Dates And Pine Nuts
Za’atar roasted cauliflower with dates and pine nuts is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines the earthy flavor of roasted cauliflower with the sweet chewiness of dates and the crunchiness of pine nuts. If you have never heard of Za’atar, it is a Middle Eastern spice blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, adds a unique and aromatic flavor to the dish.
The cauliflower is roasted until tender and caramelized, which enhances its natural sweetness and nuttiness. The dates add a chewy and caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crunchiness of the pine nuts.
This dish is a great option for a side dish or a vegetarian main course, and it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes. The dish can also be served with a dollop of creamy yogurt sauce to balance out the flavors.
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Dates
Jalapeno popper stuffed dates are a spicy and delicious appetizer that combines the sweet and chewy texture of dates with the creamy and spicy filling of jalapeno poppers. Stuffing pitted dates with a mixture of cream cheese and chopped jalapenos has a surprisingly tasty result.
The stuffed dates are then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dates are caramelized and tender. The dish is a great option for those who love spicy and sweet flavors.
You can also be garnish it with chopped bacon or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Spanish Flatbread With Manchego Cheese, Mushrooms and Dates
Spanish flatbread with Manchego cheese, mushrooms, and dates is a mouth-watering dish that combines the rich and nutty flavor of Manchego cheese with the meaty texture of mushrooms and the chewy sweetness of dates.
The flatbread is seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and olive oil. It is full of bold and smoky flavors. The Manchego cheese is thinly sliced and layered on top of the flatbread, adding a salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
The mushrooms are sautéed until tender and caramelized, which enhances their natural umami flavor. The dates are added on top of the flatbread. This gives a chewy and caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
This dish is a great option for an appetizer or a main course.
Pan-Fried Halloumi Cheese with Olives & Hazelnuts
Pan-fried halloumi cheese with olives and hazelnuts is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the salty and briny flavor of halloumi cheese with the savory crunchiness of olives and the nutty texture of hazelnuts.
The dish is made by slicing the halloumi cheese and pan-frying it until crispy and golden brown. The olives and hazelnuts are then chopped and added on top of the cheese. If you like a dish with bursts of flavor this recipe is for you!
Season the dish with herbs like oregano or thyme and drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice for a bright and tangy flavor. This dish is a great option for a vegetarian appetizer or a snack. Serve with a side of warm pita bread or crackers for dipping.
Ricotta Stuffed Dates
Ricotta stuffed dates are a simple yet delicious appetizer that combines the sweet and chewy texture of dates with the creamy and tangy flavor of ricotta cheese. Start with pitted dates and fill them with a mixture of ricotta cheese, honey, and vanilla extract.
The dish can be served as is or drizzled with honey and sprinkled with chopped pistachios.I personally love the extra flavor from the pistachios. This dish is a great option for those who love sweet and creamy flavors.
The dish is also a great option for those who follow a vegetarian or gluten-free diet.
Date And Shallot Rosemary Chicken
Date and shallot rosemary chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the tender and juicy flavor of chicken with the sweet and chewy texture of dates, the savory flavor of shallots, and the aromatic flavor of rosemary.
You season the chicken with a mixture of salt, pepper, and rosemary, and then pan-seared until golden brown. The dates and shallots are then added to the pan. This gives you a caramelized and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken. The dish is often served with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, which absorb the rich and flavorful sauce.
This dish is a great option for a cozy and comforting dinner. The dish can also be garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
How To Eat 6 Dates A Day: Sweet Recipes And Baked Goods
Medjool Date Turtles
Medjool date turtles are a sweet and chewy treat that combines the natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor of Medjool dates with the creamy and nutty flavor of cashew butter and the rich and velvety flavor of dark chocolate.
Start with pitted dates and fill with a mixture of cashew butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. yes, this makes a delicious smooth and creamy texture. The turtles are then topped with a pecan or walnut. You you get both crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
The goodness doesn’t end there. The turtles are then drizzled with melted dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt, which enhances the natural sweetness of the dates and adds a rich and complex flavor. This dish is a great option for a healthy and satisfying snack or dessert.
The turtles can also be stored in the fridge or freezer for a convenient and on-the-go snack.
Four Ingredient Date Balls
Four ingredient date balls are a simple yet delicious snack that combines the natural sweetness and chewy texture of dates with the nutty and crunchy texture of almonds or other nuts. You will blend pitted dates and almonds in a food processor until they form a sticky and cohesive mixture.
The mixture is then rolled into small balls and chilled until firm. The balls can be customized by adding other ingredients such as cocoa powder, coconut flakes, or vanilla extract. This dish is a great option for a healthy and satisfying snack.
Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for a convenient on-the-go snack. The balls can also be enjoyed as a dessert, served with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Date Bars With Oats And Cinnamon
Date bars with oats and cinnamon are a sweet and chewy treat that combines the natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor of dates with the nutty and crunchy texture of oats and the warm and aromatic flavor of cinnamon.
Again you blend pitted dates, rolled oats, and cinnamon in a food processor until they form a sticky and cohesive mixture. The mixture is then pressed into a baking dish and baked until golden brown and fragrant. The bars can be customized by adding other ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, which adds a variety of textures and flavors.
This dish is a great option for a healthy and satisfying snack or dessert. It’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for a convenient on-the-go snack. The bars can also be enjoyed as a breakfast, served with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Caramel Date Baked Oats
Caramel date baked oats are a warm and comforting breakfast dish that combines the nutty and chewy texture of oats with the natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor of dates.
The dish is typically made by combining rolled oats, almond milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a baking dish. The mixture is then topped with a layer of pitted and chopped dates and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The dish is then baked until golden brown and fragrant.
The baked oats can be customized by adding other ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, which adds a variety of textures and flavors.
This dish is a great option for a healthy and satisfying breakfast, and it’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for a convenient on-the-go breakfast. The dish can also be enjoyed as a dessert, served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Salted Caramel Date Shake
A salted caramel date shake is a creamy and indulgent drink that combines the natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor of dates with the rich and velvety flavor of caramel sauce and the salty crunch of sea salt.
The shake is typically made by blending pitted dates, almond or coconut milk, vanilla extract, ice, and a drizzle of caramel sauce until smooth and creamy. You can then topp with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of additional caramel sauce, which adds a rich and complex flavor.
The shake can be customized by adding other ingredients such as bananas, chocolate chips, or peanut butter, which adds a variety of textures and flavors.
This dish is a great option for a healthy and satisfying snack or dessert, and it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes. The shake can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink on a hot day or as a comforting dessert on a cool night.
Salted Caramel Mocha Smoothie
A salted caramel date mocha smoothie is a delicious and indulgent drink that combines the natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor of dates with the rich and velvety flavor of mocha and the salty crunch of sea salt.
The smoothie is typically made by blending pitted dates, almond milk, coffee or espresso, cocoa powder, ice, and a drizzle of caramel sauce until smooth and creamy. You can top with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of additional caramel sauce, which adds a rich and complex flavor.
The smoothie can be customized by adding other ingredients such as banana, vanilla extract, or protein powder, which adds a variety of textures and flavors.
This dish is a great option for a healthy and satisfying breakfast, snack, or dessert, and it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes. The smoothie can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink on a hot day or as a comforting dessert on a cool night.
Salted Caramel Hummus
Salted caramel hummus is a sweet and savory dip that combines the creaminess of traditional hummus with the indulgent flavors of salted caramel.
The hummus is typically made by blending chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of salt until smooth and creamy. To add the caramel flavor, pitted dates and caramel sauce are added to the mix and blended until well incorporated. The dip is then finished off with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of additional caramel sauce. The result is a unique and delicious dip that can be served with fresh fruits, pretzels, crackers, or even as a spread on toast.
This dish is a great option for a healthy and satisfying snack or appetizer, and it’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for a convenient snack. The dip can be customized by adding other ingredients such as chocolate chips, nuts, or spices, which adds a variety of textures and flavors.
How To Eat 6 Dates A Day Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating 6 dates a day into your diet during pregnancy can have a positive impact on both you and your baby.
The high nutritional value of dates, including their fiber content, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals, make them a great addition to any diet. In fact they are one of the many healthy swaps you can make for a healthier pregnancy. Additionally, dates have been shown to potentially help with labor and delivery by reducing the need for induction and shortening labor times.
Eating dates is also a simple and convenient way to satisfy sweet cravings without resorting to unhealthy treats.
Finally, there are many delicious and creative ways to enjoy dates, whether it’s incorporating them into smoothies, baking them into desserts, or simply snacking on them whole. By making dates a regular part of your diet, you can reap their many benefits and support a healthy pregnancy.
They easily fit into the best foods to eat during pregnancy.
