Nourishing Oatmeal cookies - Postpartum Friendly Too
These oatmeal cookies are so nourishing and packed with fibre (oats, shredded coconut, flax, and sesame seeds), some protein, and essential fatty acids (flax and sesame seeds which contain omega 3 fats) that they can be considered breakfast cookies or a good way to break an intermittent fast. They are soft and chewy and can be crumbled and added to smoothie bowl toppings or hot cereal too. I should mention don't skimp out on the unsweetened coconut shreds because they add that special flavour to the oatmeal cookies!
These cookies are also great for new mommas hence why I also call them “postpartum friendly” BUT don’t worry, they are safe to consume if you are not breastfeeding or if you are a male! Some of the postpartum benefits are:
The fibre and small amount of protein make these oatmeal cookies feel substantial and can help balance blood sugar helping you sustain your energy because breastfeeding and being a new mom can be exhausting sometimes.
The oats and fennel have galactogogue properties meaning they support breastmilk production.
The ground flax and sesame seeds, other than being a source of fibre and essential fatty acids, have phytoestrogen compounds. Phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and modulate estrogen activity – this means they can upregulate estrogenic activity when there isn’t a lot of estrogen (like in menopause or early postpartum) and downregulate estrogenic activity when there is a lot of estrogen (like period pain, menstrual irregularities or other menstrual complaints, PCOS, fibroids, obesity etc.). Ground flax may benefit males also. Males with increased fat tissue, especially abdominal fat, can have high estrogen levels which may result in ‘man-boobs’.
A Note for all the new mommas: Postpartum is a time when your estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly following the delivery of babe and can be one of the many contributors to things like hair loss, postpartum thyroiditis, mood swings, anxiety, postpartum depression (PPD) or baby blues. Since menstruation likely doesn’t return for a couple of months postpartum because of breastfeeding, ovulation isn’t occurring which can keep progesterone and estrogen on the lower side. If you need help navigating postpartum and the changes to your body + emotional health, feel free to reach out to me.
Nourishing Oatmeal Cookies
INGREDIENTS:
Makes 12 Cookies
1 egg
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup oat flour (use gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tsp coarsely ground fennel seeds
2 tbsp ground flax
1 tbsp white sesame seeds
METHOD:
Preheat oven at 350 F.
In a mixing bowl, mix the egg, coconut oil, coconut sugar, vanilla extract together.
Add the rest of the ingredients (oat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, shredded coconut, fennel, flax, and sesame seeds) and mix well.
Place the dough in the fridge for 15-20 minutes so the dough stiffens up a bit but is still easy to roll. I find cooling the dough helps the flavours settle well as well.
Roll into 1 tbsp sized balls and place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can lightly press the top of the balls down a little.
Bake the cookies on the middle oven rack for 10-12 minutes – the edges should be lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let them sit on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes to finish cooking and then place them on a cooling rack.
Store in a cool place. You can also keep them in the fridge (due to coconut oil which may make the cookies soft at room temperature for a long period of time) and remove a few minutes before eating to let it soften.
Please note if you have difficulty breastfeeding, experiencing fatigue, PPD, anxiety, irregular cycles, menstrual complaints, infertility, or other hormonal issues then it would be highly advised to get an individualized hormone/health assessment. There may be other interventions that may be needed including nutrient/herb supplements at therapeutic doses that you cannot obtain from foods. Sometimes I have even seen hormonal issues and menstrual problems resolve just with improving gut/digestive health!
