Have you been introduced to the powerful Chia Seed yet? If not, pull up a chair, because this humble little seed is about to become one of your favorite foods!
If when I say chia seed, you think of this, then buckle your belts because I am about to blow your mind.
Chia seed is more than some informercial fad! Chia seed have been used by many cultures for centuries as a staple of great nutrition. Loaded with omega 3’s, protein, fiber, iron and other vitamins, chia seeds are the definition of good for you. It is a great grain-free option for breakfast in the morning that will keep you full and powered for hours to come. These little seeds become soft and gel-like after soaking for a few hours in a liquid. When soaked in almond milk (or any milk, it is your choice) they are very similar to tapioca.
Even better, they cook up nicely. This is a no cook recipe that mixes up quickly but packs a powerful punch of nutrition. And it tastes so delicious they’ll be licking the bowl and asking for more! Even better, it takes almost no time to make when you make it ahead. Feel free to change the toppings, these are just what I like and had on hand. Chia seeds make a great base, because they take on the flavor of whatever you add. (I’ve even added raw cacao powder for a delicious but healthy chocolate treat!) I make up the chia seed pudding a quart at a time, and keep it in the fridge so that we can have some whenever we want. This can be a breakfast or a dessert!
Chia Seed Pudding
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla
1 quart unflavored almond milk/coconut milk
Add all of the ingredients to a quart size Ball jar, stir and let sit for at least four hours to combine. I like to make mine before bed, so that it is ready in the morning. The Ball jar makes it super convenient to mix and toss in the fridge overnight–or take it with you on-the-go.
Breakfast Pudding
2-3 nuts, broken into pieces (I prefer pecans)
unsweetened coconut
1 tsp bee pollen
fresh blueberries
1 tsp of raw honey
Spoon out half a cup of pudding into a bowl and warm in the microwave for one minute. Add your toppings and drizzle the honey over top. Serve–it’s ready to eat!
Wasn’t that simple? Now, for the toppings–I use what I have on hand, but there’s a few specific health benefits to the ones I choose. Bee pollen is not something most people are familiar with, but it is spectacularly good for you. It is a complete food, meaning that not only is it loaded with proteins, but it is also loaded with amino acids, iron and other good things. It is a superfood in its own right, helping with health, immune system boost, microflora within the gut, improving energy levels and so much more! So I sprinkle a little on every day! From there I add pecans (healthy fats), fresh blueberries (powerful anti-oxidants), unsweetened coconut (healthy fats, lauric acid, medium chain fatty acids and powerful anti-oxidants) and that drizzle of sweet, delicious raw honey (powerful prebiotic for the digestive track and it helps fight infections!)
This really is one of the healthiest, quickest breakfasts you can grab!
What do you like on your Chia Seed bowl?
