Chia Seeds provide a wide variety of nutrients and are an excellent source of plant protein. In addition they are also high in magnesium, calcium, omega 3, linoleic acid, fibre and antioxidants. Because of this combination of nutrients, chia seeds are highly beneficial for the skin, bones, hair and digestive system. And did you know that they have been found to boost the metabolism and energy levels. Plus the high levels of fibre in chia seeds act as a prebiotic, meaning they feed the good bacteria in the gut. I could go on all day about how amazing chia seeds are but instead I thought it would be handy to give you a few tips on how to include them into your diet and of course a delicious recipe!
Chia Tips
Add them to your smoothie - next time you are making a smoothie, add in some chia seeds into the mix. By adding chia seeds will simply bump up the nutritional value of your smoothie!
Add Chia Seeds To Pancakes, Cakes, Muffins & Other Baked Goods - While you shouldn’t eat baked goods every day, there is a place for them in a healthy diet. You just need to know how to "healthify" your recipes. Toss in a spoonful of chia seeds for extra nutrients. Just simply add the chia seeds to your batter and bake as normal.
Use Chia Seeds as An Egg Replacement - If you avoid eggs in your diet because you are allergic to them or simply don’t like them then baking anything from pancakes to birthday cakes can become very difficult. Here is where Chia seeds come into play! As a general rule of thumb, 1 egg is equivalent to soaking 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in 3 tablespoons of water.
Use as a topping - Sprinkle them on top of smoothie bowls, Greek yogurt or your morning bowl of oatmeal. You can also sprinkle them on top of a salad to enhance the nutritional value and offer a nice crunch!
Chia Seed Pudding - 3 Ways
Chia Puddings are not only easy to make but an incredible nourishing breakfast. With the recipes below, if you are wanting to add a little more protein add a scoop of your protein powder of choice!
Cheeky Monkey Chia Pudding (Serves 2)
1 1/4 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
3 tablespoons raw cacao powder
Pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt
1 tablespoon organic maple syrup or raw honey (you may want more depending on how sweet you want it)
1 thinly sliced banana
Optional toppings: Goji berries, nuts, coconut
PB & J Chia Pudding (Serves 2)
1 ¼ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
¼ cup chia seeds
3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
3 tablespoons of organic jam (watch out for hidden added sugar!)
Optional toppings: Fresh berries, walnuts, unsalted peanuts
Vanilla Chia Pudding (Serves 2)
1 ¼ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
¼ cup chia seeds
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon organic maple syrup or raw honey (you may want more depending on how sweet you want it)
Optional toppings: berries, figs, almonds
METHOD
Add all of the ingredients to either 1 large glass jar or two small jars with a lid, give it a quick stir, then put the lid on. Give it a good shake to mix all the ingredients up! Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, shaking or stirring occasionally. Serve the pudding chilled with your favourite toppings. ENJOY!!