Chia Seeds are amazing because…
- 1 Tbsp of chia seeds consists of 5g of fiber
- 1 Tbsp of chia seeds consist of 2.24g of protein
- They are rich in healthy Omega 3 Fats
- They are a good plant-based egg substitute
- They have been consumed for hundreds of years!
- They are loaded with antioxidants
- They are naturally gluten-free
- They come white or black, and taste great either way!
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
- They are Rich in Nutrients
- Good for Skin and Aging
- Improves Heart Health
- Helps Boost Body Metabolism
- Improves Digestive Health
- Top Food for Dental Health
- Lose Weight and Build Muscles
- Best for Pregnant Women
- Controls Blood Sugar
- High in Calcium
2 Tablespoons of Chia Seeds Contain:
- 64% more Potassium than a Banana
- 2x the antioxidants of Blueberries
- 41% of your daily Fiber
- 5x more Calcium than Milk
- 3x more Iron than Spinach
- 20% protein
- 32% of your daily magnesium
- Plus: Iron, zinc, phosphorus, Vitamin A, copper and even some folate. www.riseorganic.co.uk
Chia Seed Prep
Chia seeds soak up any liquids and become kind-of gelatinous.
- For a thick pudding texture, soak 2 Tbsp chia seeds in ½ cup liquid.
- For a thick smoothie texture, soak 2 Tbsp chia seeds in 1 cup liquid. *my preference
- For a drink texture, soak 2 Tbsp in 2 cups of liquid.
- For a big batch of chia seed porridge, mix ½ cup chia seeds in 1 cup liquid. *a great snack or breakfast on the go *use as a base for other recipes
Flavorings
Chia seeds don’t have much flavor and they don’t need flavor, however there are so many fun things you can make with chia seeds! See the recipe ideas below.
I love raspberries and lemons together, so I added these favorites to my chia seeds… check out my recipe below.
Healthy Add-ins
Nuts: Any nuts or nut butters
Fruit: Any (avoid if this raises your blood sugar)
Powders: Cacao, Maca, Matcha, Ginger, Spirulina, Acai, Goji Dragon fruit, Broccoli seed
Protein powders: Pea, Pumpkin, Collagen, Hemp, Sacha Inchi (avoid dairy, soy, GMO, wheat powders)
Spices: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cardamom
Other: Avocado, Yogurt, Granola (adds a nice crunch & kids love it)
Liquid Base
Almond milk, coconut milk, canned coconut, water, tea base, cashew or rice milk.
Sweeteners
Aim to eat Chia Seed Porridge without added sugar. Many of the recipes are naturally sweetened with fruit. If you need a sweetener, try the preferred, low glycemic options: Lo Han/Monk Fruit (Amazon), or Stevia liquid drops. Unrefined sugars options are Maple syrup, Honey, or Coconut sugar. Remember any sugar (esp. refined white or brown sugar) causes inflammation, weight gain, feeds cancer cells and are linked to so many health issue. So, try to decrease your sugar intake each week.
Lemon Raspberry Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Chia seeds
- 2/3 cup Almond or Coconut Milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup Fresh raspberries
- Sweetener optional
- Coconut Flakes optional
Instructions
- Mix well, cover, and place in the fridge for at least an hour.
- When ready to serve, mix, and top with raspberries, lemon and shredded coconut. Enjoy!