I know, you’re singing that little song in your head…” Ch ch ch chia!” and considering the last time you saw a Chia Pet. It may have been on your last trip to Walmart, but you’d be better served looking for the Chia seeds in the grocery section.
I have been on an imposed body reset the past 22 days. I admit, I see some bloat disappearing, and my clothes feel better, but I would honestly bite someone for a piece of cheese. No dairy, no gluten, no alcohol, no refined sugar…but since it’s only for a month, I can handle it. One thing I recently tried was Chia Seed Pudding. But I’ll get to that later. I want to talk to you today about this amazing little seed. Everyone from celebrities to Dr. Oz are calling it a super food, a miracle food, but why? So I decided to wing it. Why not? I bought a jar and started sprinkling them on everything (OK, whatever isn’t a taboo food this month.)
So what makes Chia seeds so special? Check this out: ONE tablespoon of chia seed has more calcium than a glass of milk (great, since I can’t have that milk, shake or any other dairy). It also is a good source of Omega 3 fats – move over salmon – or what if I just sprinkle some on top of the salmon? Would it double the benefit? Chia seeds promote a healthy heart and even give you an energy boost, so sprinkle that in your protein shake folks! Some studies show these miracle seeds to reduce pain from arthritis, keep your digestive system moving in the right direction (if you catch my drift) and reduces symptoms of BOTH pregnancy and menopause. Some say (as far back as the ancient Mayans and Aztecs) that the benefits of this teeny tiny seed promote a better state of mental health. Yeah, it’s all about those Omega 3’s. There are of course some drawbacks, but nothing worth a mention unless you develop an unhealthy addiction to these fabulous little seeds.
So the easiest way to add them into your diet is to just shake them out of the container onto your foods. I sprinkle on eggs, oatmeal, salad and toss into my protein shakes. My favorite thing to do with them is to make chia seed pudding in a mason jar. It tastes great with fresh fruit and eaten with an iced tea spoon. Trust me. The taste is quite mild, in fact almost undetectable when it’s mixed into other foods, so there are no excuses peeps. The best tip I have read (but admit to having not tried) is to add a teaspoon of chia seeds to some warm water with a half a lemon first thing every morning. This supposedly boosts the immune system and helps cleanse your digestive tract/system.
Are you intrigued yet? Maybe just a little? I suggest a Chia pudding. It’s mildly flavored and VERY filling. It feels like it expands in your stomach and holds you way past lunch, so a good choice. Try it with some coffee on the side of course. Try them; you’ll like them!
Stay motivated and caffeinated!😉☕
Chia Seed Pudding
Prep time: 5 minutes
Seed Soak time: 1-8 hours
Makes 2 servings
You will need:
- 1-pint size mason jar
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (I like the Califia)
- ½ cup chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- 1-2 tablespoons raw honey Fruit to mix in (I like berries)
Combine all ingredients except fruit in a bowl. Mix well until thickened. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.
Stir well before serving (if it becomes too thick add a little water). Top with fresh fruit of your choice. It will keep fresh if refrigerated for five days.
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