My Favorite Healthy Snack - Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is one of my favorite 'all time' snacks. It's not only healthy, it's fast and super easy to make and prepare. It's great for breakfast (or any meal of the day) and of course...snack time. It's even better when you can make a large batch, freeze it for several weeks and then just thaw as needed. Yes, you can freeze chia pudding.

Ok, ok. So what are chia seeds? What are its benefits? How do you prepare it? Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia Hispanica, a member of the mint family. Despite their small size, chia seeds are full of important nutrients. In fact, "chia" is the ancient mayan word for "strength".

-they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids "the good" cholesterol that protects against heart attack and stroke

-they are also a good source of fiber, anti-oxidant, iron and calcium

-chia seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, but they should be added to another food or soaked before eating

-chia seeds contain nearly 5 gms of fiber per tablespoon and their high level of omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acid may be uselful for weight loss

-because of its fiber content, chia seeds have been shown to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and high fiber diets are associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes by keeping blood sugar stable.

Chia seeds are relatively easy to find in any major grocery store. They can be readily bought online too and there are a lot of excellent selection with thousands of customer reviews. This is the chia seed brand that I love and buy it at my local grocery store.

Raw, they can also be sprinkled on cereal, yogurt, oatmeal or smoothies. They can be eaten cooked, added to baked goods like bread and muffins. In vegan baking, they can also replace eggs.

Here are some of my chia pudding recipes:

Base:

2 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 cup almond milk or coconut milk

1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

add 1 tsp cocoa powder for chocolate chia pudding base

Fruits:

strawberry

blueberry

raspberry

banana

pineapple

Nuts:

almonds

walnuts

Toppings:

shredded coconut

dried cranberries

I can go on and on with all the health benefits of eating chia seeds or we can all just enjoy a jar of chia pudding right now!

Ok..me eating!

XOXO,

Karen