Are you are new to chia seeds? Are you a chia seed lover? Wherever you are on the chia seed spectrum, I’ve got five great ways that you can incorporate chia seeds into your diet. In case you’re wondering why I am such a huge fan, here’s several reasons why. These Superfoods are great conformists taking to whatever flavor you they’re introduced. Chia seeds serve as one of the richest plant-sources of Omega 3– even higher than salmon. In addition to supporting our cholesterol and heart health these “wonder seeds” are gut friendly supporters, and perhaps the dieter’s best friend.
O, Let Me Count the Ways
Nine, ten, eleven… I love the wee small seeds. Who wouldn’t want to keep food that aids in digesting? They help the digestive process by moving things along with more ease. Chia seeds contain a soluble fiber. When they are soaked for an hour or overnight our bodies can greatly benefit from the gel coating of the seed which keeps the colon lubricated and enhancing our visits to the “Oval Office”!
Twelve, thirteen, fourteen… Tiny little loves! You give bodies an energy boosts because you serve up protein. Personally, I find myself feeling satiated and content because my body rejoices when provided with a great mix of healthy fat and fiber. I simply cannot hide my love for for chia! If I could kiss them, I would! But rather, I’ll eat them. 🙂
5 Yummy Recipes Where you Can Easily Incorporate Chia Seeds
Below you’ll find five ways you can incorporate chia seeds into your diet with a variety of healthy recipes. I love to try out recipes usually with whatever can be found in my kitchen. So feel free to change things up to your liking. Not a huge fan of raspberries? No worries! Substitute strawberries instead. Don’t have any macadamia nuts? No problem. Substitute almonds. The most important rule to follow for these recipes is to incorporate chia seeds because I want you to receive the terrific health benefits. I’d like to add, for maximum benefit and for creating that gel-like goodness, soak your seed for an hour or even overnight unless you have time to soak them within certain recipes.
I’ve purposefully chosen something you can work into any meal throughout the day. There’s something you may feel is more fitting for breakfast, lunch or dinner or perhaps a snack, or a drink, and even dessert. Yes, dessert! Either way, I’m sure you’ll find yourself feeling full while also addressing your taste buds too! These recipes arm you with whole unprocessed foods while sneaking in the goodness that chia seeds bring through a variety of textures, colors, and flavors.
Raspberry Chia Lemonade
Ingredients for 4, 8 ounce servings
- 32 ounces of water (sometime I also like to use half mineral water)
- 3 fresh squeezed lemons
- 1 Tablespoon of soaked Chia Seeds
- Sweeten with Lemon Flavored Stevia or Agave Syrup
- Optional: You can add ice or cool and serve
Directions: Stir. Drink. Smile.
Cheesy Chia Cauliflower Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients for 6-8 servings
- 1 head of cauliflower florets
- 1/2 head of broccoli florets
- 8 ounces of Colby Jack shredded
- 3/4 cup of plain yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons of soaked Chia Seeds
- 1-2 cloves of garlic (roasted is best)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven at 350 F.
- Steam Cauliflower & Broccoli
- After the veggies are steamed, stir all ingredients together
- Spread remaining cheese on top of casserole dish
- Cover dish with foil & back until cheese is melted about 25 mins should do.
- Serve and enjoy.
Apple Cinnamon Chia Yogurt
Ingredients for 1 serving size
- 1 cup of your Favorite Low Sugar Yogurt (I like So Delicious Coconut Yogurt & Siggi’s Icelandic Skyr that’s like yogurt)
- 1/2 chopped Granny Smith Apple
- Cinnamon to taste
- 1 Tablespoon of soaked Chia Seeds
- Optional but I love this… a few drops of real Vanilla Extract
Directions: Stir. Enjoy. Eat. Smile.
Peachy Chia-licious Macadamia Nut Protein Smoothie
Ingredients for 1-2 servings
- 10-12 ounces of water (you may want to add some ice)
- 1/4 cup macadamia nuts
- 1 peach
- 3 scoops of protein powder (I love using USANA’s Nutrimeal Free. It’s plant-based and free fructose, soy, dairy and gluten with 15 grams of protein)
- 1 Tablespoon of soaked Chia Seeds
- Optional: a few drops of real Vanilla Extract and cinnamon (for fat burning)
Directions: Blend. Drink. Smile. Repeat.
Chocolate (or Vanilla) Coconut Chia Pudding
Ingredients for 1-2 servings
- 2 Tsp of Coconut Oil
- 1 Tsp of Cacao Powder or 1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tablespoon of soaked Chia Seeds
Directions: Blend. Eat. Enjoy.
Sneak it in!
Just a quick word. Chia is a covert operator. I have a friend whose child is a serious guacamole fan. She explained that he hadn’t been drinking enough liquids and had become constipated. That night she began sneaking in chia seeds to his favorite guacamole dinner. A few days later she informed me that her eleven year-old was now a “regular” kind of guy again. Way to go Mom! Successful covert operations are fulfilling– and on the other hand, not-so-covert operations as well. She shared with me that her son is “all in” for chia lemonade. Friends, I say we push the envelope and try it out in apple sauce, salads– sprinkle them on anything. Let’s create some healthy bodies.
Chime in.
Do you have a chia seed story? Any favorite go-to recipe? Tell us. 🙂 Haven’t tried it before? Which of the 5 recipes will you try out first?
