Chia Seed Pudding - #TastyTuesday

by Meghan Reynolds

I've been playing around with this recipe for awhile now - adding and subtracting ingredients and amounts. I think I finally figured out the perfect ratios!

Why do I love this snack? 1) It's healthy (good source of protein and Omega 3s) 2) it's sweet and 3) it's easy to make. Each serving is about 125 calories, 8g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 9g dietary fiber, 0g sugar, 3.5g protein.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup chia seeds
• 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almondmilk (or any milk substitute)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  

In a deep bowl, combine the almond milk and the vanilla extract. Add the chia seeds seeds and whisk. Cover and refrigerate until very it thickens and becomes pudding-like, about 4 hours or overnight. Stir occasionally to help break up chia clumps.

Makes 4 servings. Add on your favorite toppings. I like unsweeted coconut flakes, bananas, fresh raspberries and maybe a little maple syrup!

Chia Seeds

The little chia seed has grown beyond the silly afro growing terra cotta figuries into a power packed superfood. Why is chia considered a superfood? Here are some of the health benefits:

• Chia seeds are the highest known wholefood source of omega-3s
• They contain more protein than wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, amaranth and soy
• They have higher amounts of antioxidants than blueberries
• More than three times the amount of iron found in spinach
• Six times more calcium than milk
• Two time more potassium than bananas

And there's even more benefits - they are believed to slow digestion so your energy boost kicks in later in your run or workout (think Born to Run and the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico). This is great news for those of us who train or run for long distances or hours. They are tasteless so you can add them to just about anything! And, because they gel in liquids, you can use them as a replacement for egg or oil in baking. Add them to your smoothies, salads, cereals or make one of our favorite recipes below:

• Chia Pudding - adjust the sweetness level by experimenting with honey and maple syrup.
• Homemade Chia seed granola - a yummy sweet treat great for pre workout.
• Tropical Chia Smoothie - quick, easy and filling; great post workout treat.
• Chia Chipotle Bean Burger - vegetarian friendly burger that will leave you satisfied.
• Chia Soy Glaszed Salmon - add an extra punch of protein, antioxidants and calcium.

Just don't eat your chia pet! You can pick up chia from Wholefoods or your local health food store.