Chia seeds are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It’s crazy that something so small could be so incredibly good for you. These tiny seeds are loaded with good-for-you nutrients that benefit both your body and your brain. Benefits include:
A mega dose of nutrients in a very small package. Two tablespoons (a one ounce serving) provide 11g of fiber, 4g of protein, and 9g of fat. Of those 9 fat grams, 5 are omega-three.
They’re loaded with antioxidants which fight the production of free radicals, which can damage molecules and contribute to aging and disease.
Almost all the carbs in them are fiber. This means that they neither raise your blood sugar nor do they require insulin to be disposed of. This is great if you are looking for a low carb treat as the net carbs are relatively low.
They may lower your risk of heart disease due to the high fiber content, protein, and omega-3s.
They may reduce chronic inflammation.
So how do you get them into your diet? One of my favorite ways is through a simple chia seed pudding. It’s delicious, can be made vegan, gluten-free, paleo, or keto. And can be enjoyed by everyone.
Here is my favorite chia seed pudding recipe.
My Favorite Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut or almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of your choice (this is optional)
- 1 banana
- 1 sliced kiwi
- blueberries
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together chia seeds, milk, honey, and vanilla. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- While the mixture sits, mash a banana in a separate bowl, slice the kiwi and set aside. In a separate bowl, muddle the blueberries and set aside.
- Take the mashed banana and add it to the chia seed mixture. Stir well.
- In bowl or jar (whatever you will use to set your pudding), line the bottom or sides with sliced kiwi.
- Pour some of the mixture in. If using a mason jar, I fill it 1/4 of the way to the top.
- Add some of the muddled blueberries.
- Pour a bit more mixture on top. Cover with wrap or put the top on the jar and put it in the refrigerator. The chia seeds will expand, so your jar or bowl should not be full.
- The mixture will thicken as it sits. I typically do this either first thing in the morning or the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
- When you take it out, it should be a thick pudding. Top with additional muddled blueberries or other berries of your choice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
445.91Fat
33.27 gSat. Fat
24.97 gCarbs
37.29 gFiber
15.47 gNet carbs
21.83 gSugar
16.82 gProtein
6.76 gSodium
20.68 mgCholesterol
0 mg