Chia-huahuas…believe me when I tell you that I must’ve lost my mind! As if my life isn’t at my craziest, I decided this week to replace my galaxy phone with an iPhone after an iPhone absence of 5 years! What the heck was I thinking? I gave in to peer pressure. The rest of the familia has iPhone’s and they can face-time and the Mr. keeps rubbing in that the grand baby vids are a whole lot better on his vs mine. You think I have time for that? No! But I do have time to share my latest fetish—–a chia seed addiction!
The GCC household has A LOT of life changes happening, hence why I’ve been slacking on my posts, why I’ve had no time for creativity, for cooking, or for woodwork! Argh%&$#@!!! But I shall prevail and I’m not gonna complain because I am so excited for these changes. I will fill you in sometime soon. But for now…
Let’s talk CHIA!!! I can’t believe how many people are not familiar with this deliciousness and their benefits. For my besties, (who are totally out of the loop), and anyone else out there that has not jumped on the chia-wagon, here’s a crash course on what they are, why they’re good for you, and why you too will soon be a chia addict like me!
They’re an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. “Chia” means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster. A concentrated super food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbs, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.
Chia seeds are unprocessed, a whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flax seeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.
The mild, nutty flavor of chia seeds makes them easy to add to foods and beverages. They are most often sprinkled on cereal, sauces, vegetables, rice dishes, or yogurt or mixed into drinks and baked goods. They can also be mixed with water and made into a gel.
Pudding baby!
But my favorite method…puddin’! I’m totally addicted to having breakfast chia pudding with fresh fruit mixed in. It helps that it’s super easy to put together the night before and have ready to go, to just grab in the mornings as you’re heading out!
Like the excerpt above said, you can add them to so many foods but this one by far is my favorite method. I also love the texture of the little bubbles, (the seeds) rolling around in my mouth in each spoonful. Guess if you’re not a fan of raspberries or blackberries and all the little seeds this is the only reason I can think of someone not being a fan of this tiny little consumable seed. You can buy them at most grocery stores now and the most common variety is the dark seeds (like those pictured), but they also come in a lighter shade. They carry the same potency power!
Here’s what I use and how I prepare the pudding (super simple)
You can use the milk of your liking, however, give canned coconut milk a whirl! I’m not a diary fan so I usually have almond or coconut milk on hand. The sweetness and thickness of the coconut milk makes it so decadent I can’t even put into words! Buy the best organic seeds that you can, some agave nectar or honey to sweeten, vanilla, and then whatever toppings you’ll enjoy. *Once you get familiar with making it, you can use your own ratio of seeds to milk to determine your favorite pudding thickness.
Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup a nut milk or coconut milk
- 1 T sweetener agave or honey (optional)*
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 TB chia seeds
Instructions
- Whisk together the milk, sweetener (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the chia seeds over the milk and whisk in. Whisk immediately upon contact. There shouldn't be any seed clumps. If you see clumps, keep whisking.
- Pour the chia milk into small mason jars or Tupperware containers and place in the fridge.
- Allow it to set. It will turn into a thicker consistency. I usually leave it overnight.
Depending on what kind of toppings you add right before eating, I account for that space in the jar. Some of my favorite toppings are: chopped mango, fresh berries, kiwi, pineapple, granola, and frozen fruits! If you’re a chocolate lover, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa to the pudding right after you mix it up!
Chia seed addiction
Quite honestly, I’ve yet to try a combination I DON’T LIKE! I hope you’ll give these tiny things a try cause aside from being a totally different option for a breakfast on the go, they are mighty potent and their health benefits, are endless! You never know—you might get a chia seed addiction yourself!
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